Teaneck Police were among 25 area departments that participated in the countywide “chief for a day” celebration to honor local young people with chronic health conditions. The youth were treated to a day of fun, including a behind the scenes look at law enforcement.

In Teaneck, seven-year-old Chase Garner was named the department’s honorary “chief for a day” on June 1. The excitement began when Chase, in his own uniform, was picked up by police motorcade at Hawthorne School.

Fellow classmates, who lined the sidewalk outside the school, burst into applause and cheers as Chase left for headquarters.

“Chase, who was accompanied by his mother, father, sister and aunt, enthusiastically doled out high fives and handshakes as he made his way to the motorcade that awaited him,” Sgt. Scott Tesser, Teaneck’s Community Policing Supervisor, wrote. 

At the station, Police Chief Robert Wilson pinned the badge on Chase’s uniform and presented him with a signed Teaneck Township Council Proclamation announcing Chief Chase Garner Day in town.

Chase was then off to breakfast with the department’s top commanders, including the heads of investigations and patrol. Members of Teaneck’s reconstituted community policing squad also joined in.

Officers gave their honorary chief a tour of headquarters, including a shooting demonstration, before a patrol car ride to the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack to meet fellow “chiefs for a day.” Chase even took a minute for a television interview outside the courthouse.

A large motorcade with officers from all participating departments brought the children to The Landmark Restaurant in East Rutherford, where the young “chiefs” and families were treated to fun and entertainment. The festivities wrapped up when Chase was presented with a commemorative plaque and a photo with Wilson.

The day was organized by the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. The young chiefs were between 3 and 16 years old from around the county.