HILLSDALE—A months-long chapter in Hillsdale government closed quietly April 15 when the Borough Council unanimously approved a consent resolution finalizing Police Chief Sean Smith’s retirement, following his reinstatement and an earlier termination based on findings from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
The settlement agreement, reached March 20 and memorialized in Resolution 25-126, confirms Smith’s retirement effective April 1. The agreement was not discussed publicly at the meeting, nor was its text released by press time. Only Councilman John Ruocco, a former two-term mayor, offered comment during the session.
“I am greatly saddened by the circumstances that led to the retirement of Chief Smith,” Ruocco said. “Whenever an individual chooses to end a long and noteworthy career under unusual circumstances, there are often questions that beg for answers.”
Lt. Travis Woods remains officer in charge of the department.
Smith, 56, a Marine veteran, had served with the HPD for nearly three decades and was appointed the borough’s 10th chief of police in January 2024 under a three-year contract. He was placed on paid administrative leave in summer 2024 following a disciplinary charge and was terminated effective Jan. 1, 2025, based on recommendations from a BCPO investigation.
A public hearing set for March 20 was canceled as negotiations progressed toward a resolution.
Ruocco said at April 15, “Like all council members, I read the December letter from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office containing their investigative findings and recommendations. I believed then and still do that the average fair-minded resident would take exception to the findings and would certainly disagree with the severity of the recommended action.”
“On April 16, Ruocco told Pascack Press, “I think even if one agreed with the BCPO’s findings, the recommended course of action by the BCPO would be judged as disproportionate. I shared these views with my fellow councilmembers and the administration. I was not alone in expressing these views.”
After the settlement was reached March 20, Smith returned to Borough Hall, where he addressed a roomful of family members, friends, and supporters.
“Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart,” he said, drawing applause.
His attorney, Lawrence H. Kleiner, told Pascack Press at the time, “We’re very satisfied with the resolution and how the borough cooperated in what is a fair resolution all around.”
Under terms of his 2023 employment agreement, Smith had an annual salary of $209,000 with scheduled 3% raises in 2025 and 2026. Upon retirement, he is entitled to medical and prescription coverage for himself and his family, along with a 60-day terminal leave payout based on his final daily rate, as allowed under the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System of New Jersey.
Mayor Michael Sheinfield did not comment during the April 15 meeting. In an interview the next day, he told Pascack Press that although Smith was a friend, “I never want to see something bad happen to a friend,” he had a fiduciary duty to residents and was limited in what he could say due to potential legal exposure.
Sheinfield said the borough is now focused on “a path forward” and intends to begin a search for a new police chief, likely starting with internal candidates.
Past comments by Ruocco about considering outside candidates for the role had drawn criticism from the local Police Benevolent Association. Ruocco later clarified that he had always intended to include both internal and external candidates.
The brief resolution passed April 15 states that both parties wished to “clarify the scope and extent of all benefits, authorize the payment of such benefits, and enter into a release of all claims and/or disputes arising from Chief Smith’s employment.”
Though many questions remain unanswered publicly, the moment marked the close of a difficult period for Smith and the borough he served for nearly 30 years. As Ruocco said during his remarks, the matter has carried an emotional and financial toll—for the council, the borough, and for Smith himself.
“That is the true tragedy of what has occurred,” Ruocco said. “And it remains for the borough to leave no stone unturned in an effort to restore the reputation and structural integrity of our police department.”
Editor’s note: Full terms of Smith’s pact with the borough were not immediately available.
Smith has given much to Hillsdale these many years, recently most visibly in service with the 125th Anniversary Committee, and with veteran recognitions. Residents have been sending us letters of support, some noted in “Early reaction as Smith takes retirement as police chief,” which we ran April 14.
For our story on Smith’s final promotion, read “Smith, HPD historian, sworn in as police chief,” posted Jan. 14, 2024 at PascackPress.com. Then-newly sworn mayor Sheinfield officiated at that promotion, as he did in the same public meeting at the promotions of Travis Woods to lieutenant and David Sayer to sergeant.