Pompton Lakes council names Captain Anthony Rodriguez acting police commander amid lawsuits and public criticism

The Pompton Lakes Borough Council voted on June 25 to appoint Captain Anthony Rodriguez as officer in charge of the police department while the current chief is on leave, following an extended public-comment period in which residents alleged harassment and raised concerns about department promotions and lawsuits.

During public comment, Pauline Zablocki said the chief’s management "favors bullying and intimidation," recited a timeline of personnel actions and lawsuits, and accused the chief of seeking to block a particular subordinate from succeeding him. "Cut your losses and do the right thing," Zablocki told the council. Another resident asked whether the borough’s promotion procedures — which the council requires to be merit-based and include a promotion test — would be followed when filling the next permanent chief.

Mayor (speaking from the dais) and borough staff said the appointment was an operational step while the chief uses accrued time off beginning July 4. Borough staff explained the interim appointment keeps the department staffed without paying a large separation payout. Council members asked whether the interim role would automatically convert to chief and were told that any permanent appointment would be decided later and could require testing or other procedures.

The borough’s insurance-appointed attorney told the audience the council could not and would not "litigate a lawsuit here in a public forum," saying the plaintiffs bear the burden of proof and that insurance counsel has been appointed to defend the borough. The attorney added that legal fees for defending the lawsuits are covered through the joint insurance fund and are not a separate out-of-pocket invoice to the borough at this time.

Council discussion before the vote emphasized the need for leadership while litigation and personnel processes move through the courts. One council member who said he has known Captain Rodriguez for decades praised him as "a good, hardworking man" and announced his vote in favor. The council motion to appoint Rodriguez passed on a voice vote; the transcript records 'all in favor' with audible "aye" responses but does not list a roll-call tally by name.

The council did not take additional personnel actions in public and moved the remainder of personnel and negotiation matters into closed session at the meeting’s end. The mayor and staff said they would revisit any changes to department leadership if litigation outcomes or further information required it.