The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey has been struck by tragedy with the apparent suicide of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik. This comes just one week after the department faced turmoil, including layoffs and charges against officers involved in the beating of an inmate.
A Loss That Stuns the Community
Sheriff Berdnik tragically died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at Toros, a Turkish restaurant in Clifton, New Jersey. The news deeply saddened both the law enforcement community and the local residents who valued his exceptional leadership and friendship. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh expressed his grief and referred to Berdnik as “America’s Sheriff.”
A Leader Remembered
Berdnik served as the Passaic County sheriff for five terms, demonstrating his commitment to New Jersey law enforcement. He was re-elected for his fifth term in 2022 and was known for his dedication to combating criminal activity and modernizing operations within the Sheriff’s Office. His passing leaves behind a wife and four adult children, as well as a legacy of service.
Turmoil Leading to Tragedy
The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office recently faced a series of challenges. Last week, Sheriff Berdnik announced the layoff of 29 jail corrections officers due to budget constraints. In another unfortunate incident, a correctional officer and two sergeants were charged with deprivation of rights and conspiracy to obstruct justice for allegedly beating a pretrial detainee. This string of events has caused significant strain within the department.
Mourning a Respected Leader
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his sadness over the loss of Sheriff Berdnik, recognizing his more than four-decade-long career in law enforcement. The governor praised Berdnik’s dedication to serving his constituents and his tireless efforts to combat crime and improve the operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
F5 Magazine respectfully acknowledges the passing of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik and extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. For the full article, please visit F5mag.com.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Additional resources can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.