By JOHN PETRICK, STAFF WRITER
The Record
PATERSON, N.J. — Amid tears and angry outbursts, former Paterson Police Officer Anthony Cipolla was sentenced to six years in state prison Friday for the drunken-driving accident in Wayne that killed his son and injured another motorist last year.
Citing what by many accounts seems to be Cipolla’s “Jekyll and Hyde” personality, state Superior Court Judge Randolph M. Subryan in Paterson said he was heartbroken for the family but that Cipolla brought the crisis on himself.
“This was the act of a reckless and irresponsible man,” Subryan said.
Cipolla had three shots of Southern Comfort in the early afternoon before getting behind the wheel with his 20-year-old son Christopher in the passenger’s seat on Feb. 15, 2006.
Cipolla tried to pass a car, crossing a double yellow line and causing his Ford F-150 to flip and collide with another vehicle. Christopher Cipolla died at the scene.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor James Wilson cited Cipolla’s admitted history of alcohol and cocaine abuse, combined with a “horrendous” driving record dating to 1980 that included speeding tickets and driving with a suspended license.
There are also documented episodes in which police were called to the family’s Wayne home after his wife, Wendy, tried to prevent her husband from drinking and driving.
Cipolla, 45, cried as his wife and children called him their “hero” despite his tragic mistake.
They paid equal tribute to Christopher.
“Chris never turned his back on anyone,” said Wendy. “He never wanted revenge on anyone ... Chris was a truly amazing person ... His brothers and sisters are devastated ... Their hearts are filled with sadness and pain,” Wendy said.
Son Matthew, 16, cried uncontrollably as he told Subryan of his father, “He’s such a good-hearted man ... I love you, Dad, with all my heart. I’m never turning my back on you, ever.”
The defendant replied: “I love you, too, man.”
But a hint of Cipolla’s dark side appeared when Dana Dambola of Clark, the injured motorist from the other vehicle, spoke harshly of the defendant.
“The fact that this man could be considered a role model by anybody makes me sick,” Dambola said.
At this Cipolla became agitated, making remarks to his lawyer until Subryan reprimanded him and told him to be silent and listen.
Dambola, accompanied by her parents and friends, told of how she has undergone two surgeries, has a metal rod in one of her legs, has had months of rehabilitation and continues to suffer terrible physical and emotional pain.
The 27-year-old teacher said it was months before she returned to work, and even then, her heart wasn’t in it.
She said she felt for the family’s loss of Christopher, but she resented their trying to gain her sympathy by writing her letters about how badly they want Cipolla home.
“The reason I still get to have my father on this side of the courtroom isn’t because I’m lucky ... It’s because my father would never take shots of Southern Comfort and then get behind the wheel,” she said.
Cipolla pleaded guilty in January to death by auto and assault by auto while intoxicated and within 1,000 feet of a school. His driving privilege will be suspended for 10 years after his release from prison.
Copyright 2007 North Jersey Media Group