[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E140-E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SHERIFF RICHARD BERDNIK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
remarkable public servant who dedicated his life to law enforcement, 
Sheriff Richard Berdnik. Sheriff Berdnik served twenty-eight years with 
the Clifton Police Department. After his time with the City of Clifton, 
he joined the County of Passaic as the Commander of the Juvenile 
Division and the SWAT Team. On January 1, 2011, Richard was elected to 
the role of Passaic County Sheriff. A prominent leader among law 
enforcement, Sheriff Berdnik was also a member of the FBI National 
Academy Associates, the New Jersey Honor Legion of Decorated Officers, 
and the International Chiefs of Police Association.
  A native of Clifton, New Jersey, Richard Berdnik graduated from 
Clifton High School, the New Jersey State Police Academy, FBI National 
Academy, and FBI National Executive Institute. Sheriff Berdnik took 
criminal justice courses at Seton Hall University, the University of 
Virginia, and Caldwell College. Sheriff

[[Page E141]]

Berdnik's legacy embodies the principle of service over self. His 
impact is woven into the fabric of the Ninth Congressional District, 
exemplified by the officers he mentored, and the countless individuals 
he helped.
  Beyond his professional achievements, Sheriff Berdnik was a beloved 
figure in our community. He was a Parishioner and Eucharistic Minister 
at Saint Andrew's Church in Clifton, New Jersey. As a proud member of 
the Polish community, Sheriff Berdnik served as the Marshal for the 
Passaic-Clifton & Vicinity Contingent in the Pulaski Day Parade in 2011 
and was the Grand Marshal of the Pulaski Day Parade in New York City in 
2014.
  Known for his unwavering commitment to justice and the well-being of 
the public, Sheriff Berdnik served as a beacon of bravery and 
compassion. Under his leadership, Richard emphasized the importance of 
community engagement and proactive policing in order to build trust 
with the residents of Passaic County. His innovative approach undertook 
a complete top to bottom review of the department effectively 
streamlining operations within the Patrol, Corrections and Courthouse 
Divisions.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, friends, family, and 
the residents of New Jersey in recognizing Sheriff Richard Berdnik for 
his outstanding contributions to law enforcement and beyond. I thank 
Sheriff Berdnik. He was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar in our 
community. God bless his soul and may his wife Monica, and four 
children Ashley, Ryan, Alyssa, and Kevin stand proud.

                          ____________________