Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik tragically took his own life on January 23, 2024.
The incident occurred at Toros, a Turkish restaurant in Clifton, New Jersey. Sheriff Berdnik was reportedly at the restaurant for lunch and stepped away to use the restroom. It was then that a loud gunshot was heard, and Berdnik was later pronounced dead at the scene.
This incident led to a significant response from law enforcement, with numerous police vehicles and personnel from various departments arriving at the location. The area around the restaurant was closed off, and the case was taken over by the Paterson Police Department for investigation.
Richard Berdnik had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. Before becoming the sheriff of Passaic County in 2011, he served for 28 years with the Clifton Police Department. He was a well-respected figure in the community, known for his dedication and service. His unexpected death has left colleagues and the community deeply shocked and saddened. Several officials, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Governor Phil Murphy, expressed their condolences and highlighted Berdnik’s contributions to public service.