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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY —— Park Ridge Police Chief Joseph J. Madden was inducted as the 2018 president of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association on Jan. 20 in front of hundreds of police chiefs, colleagues, friends, and supporters at The Venetian in Garfield.
Madden, 57, of Mahwah, succeeds Edward Kasper, Oakland’s police chief, who served as the organization’s president in 2017. Association presidents serve one-year terms, and generally only succeed to president after successfully serving more than seven years in positions that help the organization and prepare them to lead it.
“He’s certainly capable of leading the association. He’s passionate and excels in everything he does,” said Kasper. As past president, Kasper can offer guidance and advice to Madden. “He’s going to do great as president,” he added.
Madden has served 32 years in the Park Ridge Police Department.
Since 2007, Madden has served as Park Ridge police chief after having been a police captain from 2000 to 2006. Madden has a master’s degree in human resources from Seton Hall University.
He said that he serves as the 93rd president of the association since its start in 1930 since some past presidents did not serve a full term. The association includes 70 police chiefs.
Madden said the association’s 2018 priorities include addressing issues with possible marijuana legalization in New Jersey, the continuing opioid epidemic, civil unrest occurring in the nation, home-grown and international terrorism “and whatever other surprises happen to come our way this year.”
“We want the children growing up now to understand that we are their friends,” said Madden, noting that “community outreach programs” will continue to be a vital part of the association’s mission.
He said these include community policing programs, youth police academies, and events such as “coffee with a cop.”
Other outreach efforts focus on senior citizens, Boy and Girl Scouts, and kids’ events such as “Back to Scoop” night where kids get coupons for ice cream and meet local police officers.
Madden said his father, William, a retired New York City Police Department transit officer, inspired him to get involved in police work, because of his “respect for him and what he did.”
In an email, Madden said he would be working collectively with all police chiefs “to maintain our high standards, improving professional development opportunities, and brainstorming with all chiefs on what community outreach and educational programs are working in their communities so we can improve this very important aspect of our jobs.”
The BCPCA principles include: to secure a closer official and professional relationship among Bergen County police officials; to secure unity of action in police matters; to elevate the standards of police institutions; to strive for advancement among all lines that pertain to the prevention and detection of crime and promotion of police efficiency, said Madden.
Other duties include helping to mentor new police chiefs, in addition to fundraising and philanthropy.
“Part of our responsibility as leaders is to create a legacy,” emailed Madden. “I am proud to say that because of the efforts of our foundation members and many members of our association, part of our legacy will be our philanthropy.”
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“These efforts have focused on one of the most important causes we can support in this country, our veterans and their families. We have made a positive impact on many veterans’ families in their time of need. We must continue to honor and support these men and women who risk their lives so we can enjoy the freedom and liberties we so often take for granted,” Madden wrote.
Madden graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2005, completing a course of study for international law enforcement leaders. The academy started in 1935 and is offered twice a year for only 250 officers.
Frank Regino, Westwood’s Police Chief for 12 years and BCPCA’s 2016 president, praised Madden for his selflessness and dedication.
“I can say without hesitation, Joe Madden is one of the most dedicated public servants that I ever met. He’s very dedicated to police, service, police chiefs, and Special Olympics. He’s encouraged many people to get involved,” said Regino, who retired Jan. 31 after 44 years of service to Westwood’s Police Department.
“He’s risen through the ranks and done an outstanding job through the years for us and in Park Ridge. We’re in extremely good hands with [Chief Madden’s] ability to lead our membership,” added Regino.
Photo courtesy Kellie Madden