FROM THE PRESIDENT ’ S DESK CHIEF JOHN RUSSO , RUTHERFORD PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | December 2024
The holiday season is among us , and a very busy year for the NJSACOP is winding down . As 2024 comes to an end , we can look back at the year with a sense of satisfaction and understanding . Satisfaction that we continue to put in an honest , comprehensive effort to address the concerns of our membership , and satisfaction that the NJSACOP brand continues to shine as a premier law enforcement association . There is also an understanding among this Board of Officers that we must continue to work hard every day to keep that high standard and to provide high quality representation to all of the chiefs across this state .
Currently , we continue to work hard on all fronts to make headway in regards to the issue I have discussed in detail in previous articles . I am still confident we will see positive movement sometime before the end of the year pertaining to our concerns about members ’ pensions being held in abeyance . The legislative support in regards to that issues has been great , however , the process itself takes time . As Chiefs , I am sure you share my frustrations having to deal with drawn-out processes and red tape , but with this issue in particular , the NJSACOP , legislators , and our Government Relations firm are diligently working to expedite this . We will get this done for you !
On December 3rd , Chiefs Bordi , Sacca , Caggiano , and Harkins met with OPSI to discuss the Attorney General Directive revising the statewide Use of Force Policy incorporating an addendum regarding barricaded suspects . A special thank you to Chief Sacca for the effort put into the preparation for that meeting . Feedback from the Chiefs was positive and it sounds like our first official business meeting with OPSI will yield positive changes . That alone , is encouraging news for the year ahead .
As 2024 comes to a close , so , too does another great police chief ’ s career . My friend and fellow board member , Chief Joseph Madden has announced his retirement at year ’ s end . Joe has been an asset to this Association , and the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association , and a friend to all of us in law enforcement . I wish him all the best in retirement and thank him for his years of advice and guidance as I was working through the trials and tribulations of being a new police chief . A true example and what a Police Chief should be .
As one door closes , another opens , or in this case , re-opens . In Chief Madden ’ s departure I will get the opportunity to welcome back Chief Matthew Geist to our Board . Chief Geist will be stepping in to complete the vacated Treasury Position . Chief Geist has already proven himself as a dedicated member to this Board as our previous Vice President at Large , and the Board and I look forward to working with him again .
Finally , I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . I hope your holiday season brings you joy and quality time with your loved ones .
NJSACOP Monthly State Chiefs Briefings
January 9 , 2025 ( date change due to holiday ) February 6 , 2025 March 6 , 2025 April 3 , 2025 May 1 , 2025 June 5 , 2025
September 4 , 2025 October 2 , 2025 November 6 , 2025
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