Officer Breaks Leg During Motorcycle Training

Weeks after the borough's governing body for the Caldwell Police Department, an officer broke his leg during a required training course. 

Officer Michael Kraynanski suffered a broken leg during a drill on August 21, Caldwell Police Chief James Bongiorno confirmed Tuesday.

But the borough's police chief said he is not deterred about a move he expects will save the borough on fuel costs among other perks.

Kraynanski is scheduled to return to light duty on Monday, Sept. 10.

“It was an unfortunate accident, it happened day eight out of a 10-day [training] course,” the chief said.

In early August, the  and purchasing a motorcycle, which has been ordered.

The goal of having a motorcycle in the agency, the chief said, is to save on fuel costs and give the department greater access to areas of the borough.

Caldwell Councilman John Kelley asked the chief at Tuesday night’s council meeting if he is having second thoughts after the accident.

“Are you having any reservations?” Kelley asked.

“I don’t have any second thoughts about it,” Bongiorno replied. “I think it’s going to be successful, good for community, good for officers downstairs.”

Councilman Peter Murray, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, agreed with Bongiorno.

The borough has and multiple parking lots, he said.

“This is the perfect vehicle to go in and take care of those areas,” Murray said. “It’s a phenomenal idea."

Officer Kraynanski is expected to be cleared for active duty on Nov. 1, according to Bongiorno. The officer plans to resume training later that month.

Bongiorno said the department’s bicycle patrol has been a success despite an officer suffering a broken ankle during training.