Passaic County Sheriff dies by suicide in Clifton restaurant

Summary

Longtime Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik fatally shot himself in a Clifton restaurant bathroom, shocking friends, family, and colleagues. Berdnik was a 28-year Clifton police veteran, FBI Academy graduate, husband, and father. His death came after announcing jail staff layoffs due to the county jail closure. Friends remember Berdnik's commitment to serving his community throughout his law enforcement career. The Passaic prosecutor is investigating his death. Officials and community members express grief over the loss and questions over what led to this tragedy.

Takeaways

• 😢 Longtime Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik died by suicide inside a restaurant bathroom
• 👮 Berdnik had a distinguished law enforcement career spanning over 30 years
• 💔 Friends, family and colleagues are heartbroken over his sudden death
• 🔍 His death is under investigation by the Passaic County prosecutor
• 🏅 Berdnik was praised for his commitment to serving the community
• 😕 His death comes after recent jail layoffs and assault charges against officers
• ⏰ Berdnik had just come from honoring a restaurant owner before his death
• 📸 He took a photo with the owner before going to the bathroom and shooting himself
• 🙏 Officials are asking people not to judge and to keep Berdnik's family in their thoughts
• 💪 Berdnik served as sheriff since 2011 and leaves behind a legacy of service

Q & A

What position did Richard Berdnik hold before becoming sheriff?

Richard Berdnik was a 28-year veteran of the Clifton Police Department before becoming sheriff.

How did Richard Berdnik die?

Richard Berdnik died by suicide after shooting himself inside the bathroom of a Clifton restaurant.

What was Richard Berdnik doing before his death?

Richard Berdnik had just come from a ceremony in Patterson honoring a restaurant owner with a key to the city.

Who is investigating Richard Berdnik's death?

Richard Berdnik's death is being investigated by the Passaic County prosecutor's office.

What roles did Richard Berdnik serve in during his career?

Richard Berdnik served as an auxiliary police officer, park police officer, Clifton police officer for 28 years, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and served as Passaic County Sheriff since 2011.

How did local leaders react to Richard Berdnik's death?

Local leaders like Mayor Hector Lora and Attorney General Matt Platkin expressed shock, devastation, and grief over Richard Berdnik's sudden death.

What recent issues was the Sheriff's department facing?

The department was facing layoffs of corrections officers after the county jail closed, and some officers were charged with beating an inmate.

What is Mayor Hector Lora asking people to do?

Mayor Hector Lora is asking people to hold off judgment and keep Richard Berdnik's family in their thoughts.

What do Richard Berdnik's colleagues say about him?

His colleagues describe him as an exemplary law enforcement leader, a cherished friend, and someone who dedicated his life to serving Passaic County residents.

How long did Richard Berdnik serve as Passaic County Sheriff?

Richard Berdnik served as Passaic County Sheriff for about 12 years, from 2011 until his death in 2024.