State DCA to conduct review of police, fire BY ROCHELLE LAUREN GERSZBERG & PATRICA A. MILLER Staff Writers EDISON — The results of a state review of the township’s emergency management services should be completed in about 90 days, the mayor’s chief of staff said. The review will involve both police and fire departments, said David Donnelly. “This is an effort to improve the police department,” he said. “Both this review and the Blue Ribbon Commission are meant to rebuild the relationship between Edison residents and their police department.” The state Department of Community Affairs team of Richard Richardella, a former Maplewood police chief, and George DeOld will perform the review, he said. “They work for the DCA doing these reviews,” he said. “That’s what they do.” Police Chief George Mieczkowski said he welcomed the review. “I look forward to any opportunity to improve the police department,” the chief said. “It’s an outstanding idea to do the review.” Mayor Jun Choi also announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission to review the DCA’s findings before any changes are implemented. The commission will “review and evaluate the overall performance and attitude of the police department.” “By establishing the Blue Ribbon Commission, we will ensure complete compliance and renewed confidence with the citizens of Edison in regards to the Edison Police Department,” the mayor said. The commission will consist of the mayor, a council representative, the police chief, citizens, a member of the business community, a member of the Board of Education, a member of the county Prosecutor’s Office and other law enforcement experts. “Right now, we are just going through the process of trying to find people in the community,” Donnelly said. Mieczkowski said he had spoken with Choi about the commission for about a week. One person who objects to the review is Michael Schwarz, president of the Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 75. Schwarz said the review is unnecessary and wants to know why Choi would pay professionals to perform a review and then have civilian volunteers conduct a similar task. “It’s sounds like he’s [Choi] trying to get a civilian review board, which we are 100 percent against,” Schwarz said. Donnelly disagreed. “It’s not a similar task, and the township of Edison is not paying for these individuals to do this independent review,” he said. Choi said he was pleased with Mieczkowski’s performance. “Chief Mieczkowski has shown strong leadership since his appointment as chief,” the mayor said. Mieczkowski was tapped as chief by former Mayor George A. Spadoro, who appointed him after longtime chief Edward G. Costello retired in December.