Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik Dies by Suicide Amid Department Turmoil

The sheriff's death follows recent arrests and layoffs within his department, leaving the New Jersey community in shock.

Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik fatally shot himself in a restaurant bathroom on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Berdnik had served as the county's sheriff since 2011 and was re-elected for his fifth term in 2022.
His death comes amid recent turmoil in the department, including the arrest of two sergeants and a sheriff’s officer by the FBI for allegedly beating a detainee at the Passaic County Jail in 2021.
Berdnik had also announced layoffs for 29 sheriff’s officers due to the closure of the Passaic County Jail.
Local and state leaders, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, have expressed their shock and sadness over Berdnik's death.