Details and Statements from Officials on the Death of Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik

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.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik. For more than four decades, Sheriff Berdnik courageously served the people of New Jersey — from his days as a police officer on the streets of Clifton to his five consecutive terms as the 49th Sheriff of Passaic County. Every single day, Sheriff Berdnik earned the trust of his constituents in Passaic County, and worked exhaustively to combat criminal activity, modernize the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, and meet the high standard of service we expect from members of law enforcement," said Governor Murphy. "Tammy and I were blessed to have counted Sheriff Berdnik as a close friend. We will miss him — and his leadership — dearly. And we are sending our prayers and condolences to Sheriff Berdnik’s wife, Monica, their four adult children, and the entire team at the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office."

The news of Sheriff Berdnik's passing has been a significant loss to the law enforcement community and those who knew him. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and details are still being gathered to understand this tragic event.

Resources for Everyone:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can call or text 988. For online chat, visit 988lifeline.org (CDC, SAMHSA).
The Trevor Project: Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or visit The Trevor Project for more information (AFSP).
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Provides information on suicide prevention, including a five-step action plan for helping someone in emotional pain. For more details, visit NIMH's website.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Offers resources for finding mental health care and additional resources by mental health condition. For more information, visit AFSP's website.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides information on mental health conditions and local support options. For more details, visit NAMI's website.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Provides various resources and information for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services. Visit SAMHSA's website for more information.
Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services: Offers specific resources for veterans, including the Veterans Crisis Line. Call 9-8-8 and Press 1, chat online at veteranscrisisline.net, or text 838255 for support (VA).
Cop 2 Cop: Members of law enforcement struggling with suicidal thoughts or other mental health challenges can call 1-866-267-2267 (1.866.Cop2Cop) to connect to a free, 24-hour telephone helpline exclusively for law enforcement officers and their families. At NJcop2cop.com also accept online chats and emails, and offer webinars that teach practical mental health support, tools, and resources.
Office on Women's Health: Offers guidance on how to support someone who might be suicidal and outlines the warning signs of suicide. For more details, visit Women's Health website.