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North Plainfield Police Department

Press Release

Chief William Parenti

July 29, 2011

North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti announced that members of the North Plainfield Police Department participated in the fourteenth annual PSE&G Teterboro Airport 5K run and took first place honors in the Emergency Services Team Category.  The run is sponsored by various organizations and is held on the tarmac at the Teterboro Airport.  The proceeds benefit Bergen’s County United Way.  Over 800 runners took part in this year’s competition; the race commonly called a 5K, (for 5 kilometers), is 3.1 miles long.  The race included several team categories, including an emergency services category which members of the North Plainfield Police Department took first place in.  Teams were required to have at least 3 members to compete, and the team’s best three times are added for an overall total.  The team with the lowest combined three times wins.

The team was anchored by Officer Rico Perrone, an 11 year veteran of the Department, his time was a very swift 19:03.  Also on the team were Detective Tom Florek, a 14 year veteran of the Department; and Lieutenant Gerry Clyne, a 27 year law enforcement veteran.  

Chief Parenti said approximately twenty-five percent of the Department have participated together as a team in various 5K races around the state. The Chief said due to scheduling not all of the Officers that run can participate in every race, but a group will try and get together for any race that has a law enforcement team category.  These races have included events sponsored by the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Firemen’s Benevolent Association.  This is the eight time members of the North Plainfield Police Department have been recognized in various 5K competitions around the state.  Chief Parenti said: “This is terrific, it builds department camaraderie, and promotes the health of the Officers.  The community should be glad to know that their Police Officers have made a commitment to physical fitness.  Ultimately it benefits the both the residents of North Plainfield and the charities.”          

Note pictured from left Detective Tom Florek, Lieutenant Gerald Clyne and Officer Rico Perrone