Police chief punished cop who complained about his son, lawsuit says
Updated Feb 16, 2021;
A veteran police officer has filed a lawsuit against officials in Bergen County, claiming he was punished for reporting misconduct in a borough police department, which included complaints about the chief’s son.
Sgt. Michael Gardenier, 43, who has worked for the Cliffside Park Police Department since 2000, claims he was retaliated against when he “reported, protested and or complained” about alleged unlawful conduct of Police Chief Rich Gaito and others who work for the borough.
The sergeant states that Gaito and Business Administrator Joseph Rutch violated his civil rights and discriminated against him after he spoke out about alleged misconduct – some of which involved the police chief’s son.