Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez To Retire After 25 Years

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced on Thursday that she'll retire after 25 years in public service. She will retire on Aug. 1, a spokesperson said.

"Serving as Hudson County prosecutor, the very community where I was born and raised, has been an incredible honor," she said Thursday. "My goal, since day one, was to build an office that can better address the needs of the residents of Hudson County, while also providing law enforcement with the tools necessary to protect and serve."

Suarez, a Bayonne native who moved to Secaucus, was a Superior Court judge before becoming Hudson County prosecutor.

A statement from the Policemen’s Benevolent Association at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said, "Throughout her tenure, Prosecutor Esther Suarez has exemplified dedicated leadership and an unwavering commitment to public safety ... Thanks to her vision and investment, Hudson County is undeniably a safer and stronger community."

The Prosecutor's Office did not say who will succeed Suarez.

Suarez gave a statement Thursday.

Suarez's Statement

My goal, since day one, was to build an office that can better address the needs of the residents of Hudson County, while also providing law
enforcement with the tools necessary to protect and serve.

This has included establishing the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit to make our streets safer, Hudson County Regional S.W.A.T to ensure a safe resolve for individuals in crisis, and the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force to investigate fatal and widespread fires. We have constructed an in-house DNA Laboratory to expeditiously analyze items of evidentiary value, a Child Advocacy Center to create a welcoming space for children during their time of greatest need, and a Cybersecurity Lab to develop digital footprints to solve crimes. This is a mere snapshot of the historic investments we have made to build an Office equipped for modern day policing. Because of these initiatives, among many others, I am confident we have accomplished that goal together.

This would not have been possible without the support I received from the members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, our County government, municipal police departments, and statewide law enforcement partners. Their passion and commitment to public service were a continued source of personal motivation, and for that, I am tremendously grateful. I have spoken with New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin and offered to assist in any way possible during this transition period. I would be remiss if I did not thank former Governor Chris Christie and Governor Phil Murphy both who nominated me to serve as Prosecutor.

I leave here filled with gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities that have been presented to me over the past 10 years. I thank the residents of Hudson County and the entire staff of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for trusting me to serve in this position and I wish you continued success in the years to come.