OLD TAPPAN — With almost 10 years of administrative experience in the public sector, Paramus resident Patrick O’Brien is the new borough administrator for Old Tappan. O’Brien was most recently administrator in Bogota for three years.

Dating back to 1996, O’Brien’s experience includes directing New Jersey’s Regional Community Policing Institute and being Director of Public Safety for Bergen County for two years. In those capacities he said he trained "law enforcement and community policing" and oversaw all police and emergency management within the county.

After less than two weeks on the job, O’Brien is still learning about Old Tappan and said he will "listen to the council and the mayor," adding the town "looks to be in pretty good shape."

"I think the mayor and council is excellent. There is an excellent group of people on council and we are well placed to lead the community so to that extent I am excited," said O’Brien.

Fifteen to 20 résumés were received, said Mayor Victor Polce, and four candidates were interviewed.

"He clearly had the qualifications, the skill set, the experience and the demeanor to be able to handle what we’re looking for," said Polce.

Councilman John Kramer said O’Brien’s friendly personality invites conversation and lends people to feel at ease speaking with him.

"He indicated that at his former job his office door was always open and he met the public," said Kramer. "He is not one that hides behind closed doors." Kramer said that so far this attitude has been apparent, as O’Brien has attended several meetings.

Kramer also cited O’Brien’s education and experience. Currently an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bergen Community College, O’Brien teaches a variety of police courses. He also holds his certified public manager’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson and has a master’s degree in administrative science from that university.

Of O’Brien’s experience in the realm of public safety, Kramer thinks it will be beneficial to his role as borough administrator.

"It has added to his exposure with the workings of municipalities and how law enforcement has worked and how borough government has worked," said Kramer who thinks familiarity with that blend of relationships position O’Brien well for his duties.