A tragic incident occurred in Clifton, New Jersey, where a Passaic County Sheriff ended his own life in the restroom of Toros, a bustling Turkish restaurant.
The incident happened around 3:30 p.m., January 23, shortly after the Sheriff was seen posing for a photo with some friends.
Sheriff Richard Berdnik, aged 64, had a notable career in law enforcement. He had been serving as the Passaic County Sheriff since 2011, having won reelection for his fifth term of three years in November 2022.
Throughout his tenure, Berdnik was known for his dedication and significant contributions, most notably his leadership during recent flooding events in the region, as noted by Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh.
Prior to his work as sheriff, Berdnik held a respected position with the Clifton Police Department, where he headed the juvenile division and the SWAT team.
Berdnik’s unexpected death came amid internal issues within the Sheriff’s Department. These included the anticipated layoffs of 29 correctional officers due to the shutting down of the county jail and recent arrests of officers for alleged civil rights violations.
Berdnik, a Clifton High School graduate, was an active member of his community, serving at St. Andrew’s Church and being part of the Knights of Columbus.
He leaves behind his wife, Monica, and their four grown children. The numerous condolences from coworkers, officials, and community members highlight his influence as a public servant and family man.
Governor Phil Murphy expressed sorrow over the loss, emphasizing Berdnik’s leadership qualities and their personal bond.