Ridgefield's Police Chief is retiring. Chief John Roche has served the department for nearly 4 decades, starting his career as a patrol officer in Ridgefield in 1980. Prior to coming to Ridgefield, he was a police officer in Rockaway, New Jersey.
Chief Roche is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has received numerous awards and commendations in his career, including Ridgefield Officer of the Year in 1983.
A statement from the Department said that the Chief was in the forefront of progressive law enforcement practices, was instrumental in updating the department’s technology and procedures and is leaving an incredible legacy.
Roche was appointed to the Ridgefield Detective Division in 1983. He was promoted to sergeant in 1986 and lieutenant in 1990. He achieved the rank of captain in 1991 and major in 1999. In 2008 he was named the department’s fifth chief of police.
