Fair Lawn council unanimously appoints Joseph John Dowiecki as chief of police

The Borough of Fair Lawn Mayor and Council voted unanimously June 23 to appoint Joseph John Dowiecki as chief of police, approving Resolution 230-2025 and swearing him into office at Borough Hall.

The council passed the resolution on a motion and second; a roll-call vote recorded “yes” from Councilmember Salinas, Councilmember Krauss, Deputy Mayor Rotenstryk, Deputy Mayor Reinec and Mayor Christina Cottone. After the vote the council invited those present to join the swearing-in ceremony.

Why it matters: The appointment follows an interim period in which Dowiecki served as acting chief. Council members cited his responsiveness and work ethic during that transition, and the appointment gives him full authority to lead the police department.

Dowiecki addressed the meeting after being sworn in, thanking family, predecessors and department members and outlining his priorities. He said he intends to modernize patrol operations and expand victim-centered follow-up, and to hold public command-staff meetings this fall to gather community feedback. He told the council and public he lives in the borough and called the appointment “a great responsibility.”

Mayor Christina Cottone and other council members praised Dowiecki’s transition from acting chief and expressed confidence in his leadership. Former chief Glenn Cowles was acknowledged for assisting with a smooth change in command.

Next steps: The chief said he will convene community command‑staff meetings this fall to explain department goals and solicit input from business, education and faith leaders. The council did not attach additional conditions to the appointment.

Provenance: The resolution was introduced and voted on in the public meeting record beginning at the transcript segment where the clerk read Resolution 230-2025 and culminating with the oath and remarks by Dowiecki later in the meeting.