Why This Retired NJ Trooper Chose Ridgewood Schools for His Second Act
photo couttesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ensuring the safety and well-being of students takes a special kind of leader—someone with the tactical experience of a veteran officer and the heart of an educator. At Ridgewood Public Schools, that leader is Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) Class III Chris Hughes.
With a distinguished 24-year career in the New Jersey State Police under his belt, Officer Hughes has traded the highways for the hallways of Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BFMS). Here is a closer look at the man behind the uniform and why he’s becoming a favorite figure in the Ridgewood community.
A Lifelong Calling for Education
For many, law enforcement and education seem like worlds apart, but for Officer Hughes, this role is a full-circle moment.
“Prior to becoming a New Jersey State Trooper, I had strongly considered a career in education,” Hughes shares. After retiring from the State Police, the opportunity to serve as an SLEO III allowed him to merge his decades of safety expertise with his passion for working with youth.
The Push-Up Challenge: A BFMS Core Memory
Since joining the Village schools, Officer Hughes has focused on building authentic relationships with students. One of his favorite moments happened during the BF Wellness Fair last May, where he organized a high-energy push-up competition.
“At the last minute, a boy quietly asked me if he could try. To my surprise, he did so many push-ups that his entire class was cheering for him before he even finished. The excitement and smile on his face when he realized he had won was an experience I will not soon forget.”
Moments like these define the role of a school resource officer—fostering confidence, school spirit, and mutual respect.
Family First: The Man Behind the Badge
When he’s not patrolling the schools or cheering on students, Chris is a dedicated family man. He is a devoted husband and father to two children. The Hughes household is rounded out by their beloved dog, Angel, making him a very proud “dog dad.”
The SLEO III Program in Ridgewood
Officer Hughes is part of a specialized team of three retired police officers currently working within the Ridgewood Public School district. These officers bring a “triad” approach to our schools:
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Safety & Security: Expert-level protection and emergency planning.
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Education: Teaching students about safety and law.
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Mentorship: Acting as a positive role model for the next generation.
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