First I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jacquie Luthcke on her new role as Chief of the Ridgewood Police Department.
I would also like to thank every from our community and region who worked with me and our department over the past 35 plus years to help make Ridgewood a safe and wonderful community. I am proud of the successes and the level of excellence the department has achieved over the past six years even in face of many challenges. Our community should be proud of the fact that the Ridgewood Police Department has achieved and maintained national recognition in many areas including; recognition as a flagship /benchmark for excellence organization from the commission on law enforcement accreditation (CALEA), recognition for our community policing youth ambassadors program from the international association chiefs of police association (IACP), and recognition for our community policing and trust initiatives. Regionally the department and its members are recognized for their level of training and preparedness in handling critical incidents as well as their efforts in ensuring that our community is resilient to hazards and threats whether natural or human. While just a few of the department’s many achievements it should be noted that these achievements were due to a truly collaborative effort even in the face historically low staffing levels. These achievements are a testament to the character and competence of the members of the Ridgewood Police Department as well as their love and commitment to their community.
It has been my honor to have served a community I love and will always think of as home. I have been fortunate to have met many wonderful people within our community, many of which remain friends. Words cannot express the pride and love I have for the men and women with whom I have served and who continue protect and serve Ridgewood and the Region.
I look forward to seeing the continued successes of the Ridgewood Police Department and our community under its new leadership.
Chief John M. Ward (ret.)
good luck with the presser,