Luthcke Retiring As Ridgewood Police Chief

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke has announced her retirement from the department, effective at the end of April.

A 27-year veteran of the department, Luthcke said the time had come for her to explore other growth options.

"This is a very hard, and long-thought-about, decision, but it is my decision, with the only outside influence being other new and exciting opportunities," the chief said.

She has not yet disclosed details about what those opportunities are.

Sworn in as the village's first female police chief in 2016, Luthcke has had a distinguished career with the department, starting as a patrol officer, and then advancing to sergeant, lieutenant, captain and eventually chief.

"I am forever grateful for all of the support I have received through the years from inside the department and the village, to outside communities and organizations," she said.

Also only the second woman to head a Bergen County police department, Luthcke was appointed accreditation manager prior to her promotion to sergeant and had led the agency through five re-accreditations.

Although a new chief has not yet been named, she said, she is sure that, before she leaves in April, one will be.

"I will continue to work and serve the village and ensure the next chief is ready to serve, prior to my departure," she said.