Shock After NJ Sheriff Shoots Himself In Bathroom At Local Restaurant: Reports

PASSAIC COUNTY - Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik fatally shot himself inside a North Jersey restaurant Tuesday afternoon, according to multiple reports. His death has sent shockwaves of grief throughout the state law enforcement community.

Berdnik was chatting with reporters at the Turkish restaurant Toros in Clifton before he entered the bathroom around 3:30 p.m., according to NorthJersey.com. A gunshot was heard by restaurant customers soon after.

News of Berdnik’s death sparked a flood of statements from the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association to Gov. Phil Murphy, who called Berdnik a "close friend."

"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," Murphy added.

The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners also canceled its Tuesday evening meeting following the news.

“I’ve known Sheriff Berdnik for decades since his time with the Clifton Police Department and we have both served as Sheriff of our respective counties for five terms,” Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari said in a Tuesday statement. “I considered Rich a brother and his loss will leave a void that will never be filled for everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace Sheriff Berdnik.”

Berdnik, a former 28-year career Clifton cop, had been county sheriff since 2011 and was reelected in November 2022 for a fifth term. The Clifton High School graduate also served as commander of the Juvenile Division and the SWAT Team in town, as well as a parishioner and eucharistic minister at Clifton’s St. Andrew’s Church and a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Monica Berdnik, a pediatric nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, and their four adult children.

“I affectionately called Sheriff Berdnik ‘America’s Sheriff,’” Paterson Mayor AndreSayegh told NJ.com. “He was an exemplary law enforcement leader and a cherished friend. Whether it was the pandemic or the recent floods, Sheriff Berdnik was always available to offer assistance.”

Toros’ owner, Huseyin Bayram, was given a key to the city of Paterson earlier Tuesday for his efforts helping the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, News12 reported. The sheriff reportedly gave an interview to Turks of America at the restaurant minutes before he committed suicide, according to a journalist at the outlet.

“[Berdnik] asked if the magazine was distributed in Passaic County,” reporter Cemil Ozyurt recounted in a social media post translated from Turkish. “I've never been this close to death.”

The sheriff was pictured in a photo with Bayram and Toros co-owner Cuneyt Gurkan holding the ceremonial key to the city on Tuesday.

News of Berdnik's death comes after a particularly difficult month for the Passaic County Sheriff's Office, per NorthJersey.com, as two sergeants and a sheriff's officer were arrested Jan. 17 by federal officials on charges involving the alleged beating of a detainee at the Passaic County Jail in 2021.

"I am well aware that there is much confusion and stress during this very difficult time in our agency," Berdnik wrote in a memo, adding he would lay off over two dozen sheriff's officers due to the shutdown of the jail.

"I have done everything in my power to find employment for all affected employees," he wrote.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, there are resources available to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988. Its website offers services including a live chat.

COP 2 COP, a free and confidential 24-hour telephone helpline, is available exclusively for law enforcement officers and their families and can be reached at 1-866-267-2267.