Longtime Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik dies
CLIFTON, N.J. -- An investigation is underway following the death of Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik. Law enforcement sources confirmed he died of an apparent suicide at a local restaurant.
There are so many questions surrounding Berdnik's death. What is known is the sheriff was having a late lunch at Toros in Clifton. He then got up to go the bathroom and witnesses said they heard a gunshot.
Chopper 2 was overhead as officers surrounded the restaurant as news spread that the top law enforcement official in Passaic County was found dead inside.
"He was more than a friend. This is devastating news," Paterson Council President Alex Mendez said.
Law enforcement sources said when Berdnik went to the bathroom his own weapon discharged.
"It looked like he went alone because they hear gunshots, people running to the bathroom. I don't know. All I know is that he was having lunch here, and he went to the bathroom and took his life," Mendez said.
What led up to the shooting is still under investigation, but the shock and sadness is palpable for so many who knew him.
"I affectionately referred to him as 'America's Sheriff.' He was an exemplary law enforcement leader and he was a cherished friend. Right now, I'm taking time to reflect on his life, his leadership and legacy," Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said.
A legacy that began in 2011, when Berdnik was first elected as sheriff. In November of 2022, he won re-election for a fifth term.
Sayegh said he just saw sheriff Berdnik on Monday, sharing a picture from a swearing-in ceremony for eight Paterson police officers. Sayegh said nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"Last words to Sheriff Berdnik were 'Get in the picture, sheriff. Get in the picture,'" Sayegh said.
Bunting was draped outside the Passaic County Sheriff's Office in Wayne on Tuesday night, and there was an outpouring of condolences for the beloved sheriff, who once was a Clifton police officer and dedicated his life to fighting crime.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik. For more than four decades, Sheriff Berdnik courageously served the people of New Jersey -- from his days as a police officer on the streets of Clifton to his five consecutive terms as the 49th Sheriff of Passaic County. Every single day, Sheriff Berdnik earned the trust of his constituents in Passaic County, and worked exhaustively to combat criminal activity, modernize the operations of the Sheriff's Office, and meet the high standard of service we expect from members of law enforcement," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.
"Tammy and I were blessed to have counted Sheriff Berdnik as a close friend. We will miss him -- and his leadership -- dearly. And we are sending our prayers and condolences to Sheriff Berdnik's wife, Monica, their four adult children, and the entire team at the Passaic County Sheriff's Office."
Added Sen. Cory Booker: "Sheriff Berdnik was a longtime public servant with a distinguished career in law enforcement who rose to become sheriff of his home county. He leaves behind a legacy of sacrifice and service. His passing is a terrible loss to the county and state he served for so many years. My thoughts are with his loved ones in this time of grief."
Berdnik will be remembered for his legacy of fight crime, but most of all, "We lost a good friend, a beautiful human being," Mendez said.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office is investigating.
If you or someone you know needs help, text or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.