New Jersey sheriff Richard Berdnik fatally shoots himself after fellow cops charged with assaulting inmate

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY: Richard Berdnik, the Passaic County Sheriff, died on Tuesday, Janaury 23, in an apparent suicide at a local restaurant, just days after three officers from his department were charged with assaulting an inmate.

According to USA Today, Berdnik fatally shot himself inside the bathroom at Toros, a popular Turkish restaurant on Hazel Street in Clifton. The gunshot was heard by patrons in the restaurant shortly after Berdnik entered the bathroom.

More than a dozen police vehicles quickly descended on the scene after a call went out over the sheriff's radio system. Nearby streets were blocked off and two helicopters hovered overhead as authorities responded.

Richard Berdnik survived by wife and four adult children

The incident comes on the heels of a difficult week for Berdnik's department. Last Tuesday, January 17, the FBI arrested two sergeants and an officer on charges related to the alleged beating of a pretrial detainee at the Passaic County Jail in January 2021.

Just two days later, Berdnik announced impending layoffs for 29 correctional officers due to the shutdown of that same jail.

In a memo to staff regarding the layoffs, Berdnik acknowledged the 'confusion and stress' among employees and said he had 'done everything in my power to find employment for all affected employees'.

Berdnik had served as Passaic County sheriff since 2011, having just won reelection to a fifth term in November 2022. A retired Clifton police officer, he had deep ties to the North Jersey law enforcement community.

Clifton Councilman Bill Gibson, who was formerly Berdnik’s partner on the Clifton police force, was stunned by the news. "He was my partner. We were brothers, for crying out loud," Gibson said. Former Clifton Mayor James Anzaldi also expressed disbelief, calling Berdnik 'the salt of the earth'.

In addition to his long career in law enforcement, Berdnik was active in community organizations like his local Knights of Columbus chapter. He is survived by his wife Monica, a pediatric nurse, and their four adult children.

Internet sends condolences after Richard Berdnik's untimely demise

As the news of Berdnik's untimely death reverberated across the internet, a wave of grief and condolences flooded social media platforms. One Facebook user conveyed a poignant message, stating, "So sad...condolences to his family."

In another corner of the virtual community, a user expressed disbelief, stating, "I cannot believe it. I'm so sad." A third user added to the chorus of condolences, writing, "Very sad. Condolences to his family."

Offering a more reflective tone, another person shared, "Rest in Peace! Sad news to hear no matter what the reasons." A fifth user expressed a deeper sense of dismay, commenting, "This is terrible."

Concluding the spectrum of responses, a sixth user exclaimed, "Damn. Rest in peace."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.