This is Retired Chief John Russo
- This Is Rutherford
- 3 minutes ago
- 6 min read
By Jennifer Ersalesi
For twenty-seven and a half years, Chief John Russo has been a member of the Rutherford Police Department and for the last fourteen years, he has been the Chief. John Russo served as a Rutherford Police Department Officer from 1999- 2001, Detective from 2001-2003, Sergeant from 2003-2010, Lieutenant from 2010-2013 and Chief from 2013 until his recent retirement on July 31st, 2026. When he was asked what it means to him to have served in these roles with the RPD in his hometown, he explained, "It has been a complete honor. I was hired when my friends' parents and some of my coaches were part of the RPD. I felt like I was joining a team. I feel like we have done good things and being part of the RPD never felt like a job."
It was always important to Chief Russo that he participated in professional training that not only enabled him to be an effective leader, but also provided him with the resources needed to support and train his team of law enforcement professionals. He was named NJSACOP Accredited Chief Executive after he completed the West Point Command and Leadership Program in 2005. He graduated from the esteemed FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, was named Session Spokesperson and was chosen to present the official commencement speech.
While attending the West Point Command and Leadership Program, Chief Russo completed the “Yellow Brick Road” obstacle course. This course was built by U.S. Marines and it is the academy's final test of the academy's fitness challenge. It includes wall climbs, creek crossings, rope climbs, rugged, wooded trails and muddy barbed wire crawls. After completing this course, Chief Russo earned a commemorative yellow brick for his accomplishment.
In March 2026, the Rutherford Police Department achieved full state Law Enforcement Accreditation through NJSACOP (New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police). This means that the Rutherford Police Department voluntarily proved that they meet 112 high-level professional standards, including best practices, transparency and accountability. Chief Russo has continuously thanked the team of Rutherford Police Officers who assisted, specifically Sergeant Bruce Reed who was tasked with applying for this accreditation. He explained, "Accreditation was a tremendous accomplishment. I knew how good our department was. I knew how amazing each officer was individually. However, I felt that it was important that the RPD become accredited. It was an important that we complete this process on our own and we did it without a consultant. Even without a consultant we prepared everything faster than most agencies and passed with flying colors."
"Something else I have always admired about John is he believed deeply in investing in the growth of the men and women or his department and allowing their great work to be recognized. So it really wasn’t a surprise that Chief Russo’s expertise would extend far beyond our borough borders. He earned the profound respect of his peers across the state, serving as the President of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association in 2020 and later as the 109th President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) from 2024 to 2025. During his time on the statewide stage, Chief Russo used his voice to heavily advocate for meaningful legislative changes. His advocacy was instrumental in pushing forward critical public safety bills aimed at reducing organized retail theft and increasing penalties for residential burglaries," explained Council President Stephanie McGowan.
After serving as the Chief of Police for fourteen years, Russo told TIR, "I am proud of what we've become as an agency. There was a period of time, about seven years, that we did not have a Chief and we were lacking real vision and guidance. Now after all these years, working as a team, we are regarded highly across the county and State for what we have become. Other agencies call us for guidance and information. This is the type of agency I am excited to turn over to Deputy Chief Sean Farrell. He and I have been working together for many years to prepare him for this role. Connections have been made with other Chiefs and Executive Organizations and I feel like this will be a seamless transition."
Over the past few years, there has been a shortage of young police recruits across New Jersey, but Russo says he sees that the number of recruits is beginning to rebound in Rutherford. "When we are hiring a thirty-year employee we need to make sure that the individual is a good fit for the agency. We have to invest In molding new cops into future leaders. When you are hired as an officer, you need to prove yourself to come up through the ranks so we hire the best," Russo explained.
When asked what he would tell young people who are considering a career in law enforcement, Russo said, "It is a great job. If I had to do It all over again, I'd do It the same. It is rewarding to dedicate your career to public service. The size of the Rutherford Police Department is perfect. As a RPD officer, the autonomy you have is unheard of. There are so many different facets of police service; community outreach, motor vehicle enforcement, criminal investigations, etc. There is something for everyone. As part of this department, you get to help people, fight crime, and make the job what you want It to be while making the department and Borough a better place."
Effective August 1st, 2026, Deputy Chief Sean Farrell became Chief of the Rutherford Police Department. Russo spoke highly of Chief Farrell, "I was a Sergeant was Sean was hired. I knew quickly that he'd ultimately be the Chief. Not only is he intelligent and good at what he does, he is a leader who knows how to handle people. I cannot wait to see what he does."
Council members and Mayor Frank Nunziato spoke about Chief Russo and his career and retirement at the July 13, 2026 Mayor and Council meeting:
Council President Stephanie McGowan: Chief Russo’s highly decorated career has left an indelible mark not only on the Borough of Rutherford but across the entire state of New Jersey. Throughout his tenure, Chief has consistently championed the highest standards of law enforcement.
Councilman Matt Cokeley: I extend my sincerest thanks to Chief Russo for always picking up the phone, answering a text or an email from the very beginning. Six years ago when I started on this job, you took me into your office as a young-ish, scared individual starting a job he had no experience doing whatsoever and you reassured me that you would be there to help.
Councilman John Errico: Most residents of Rutherford have never met Chief Russo or will never meet him and In one sense that is a shame because we've all discussed and will continue to discuss Chief Russo is fantastic. But in a more important sense, that's really the whole point of the Chief's service. The measure of his job is a place where people feel safe walking home at night without ever really thinking about It...By that measure the Chief has done a tremendous job.
Councilman Ray Guzman: Chief Russo, under your leadership you have built one of the most esteemed police forces in the state of New Jersey. Your reputation throughout the state is second to none. You lead your team with respect. You serve the community of Rutherford in the most professional manner with their safety always being your number one priority.
Councilwoman Christie Del Rey-Cone: Chief Russo always showed up...He showed up as a leader in the community. He showed up at our menorah lightings that were held at the Temple. He showed up at our crescent lightings that we did for our Muslim community. When folks had questions about immigration issues in the country and in the community and the Civil Rights Commission held an event where they had someone educating residents about that he showed up and answered questions there. These are not just run of the mill requirements of a Chief of Police...he has always showed up more prepared with words of wisdom, with information, and again with clarity and kindness.
Councilman Dennis Mazone: I've known John for several years as a colleague and fellow law enforcement officer and now as a Councilman...Most importantly I think John brought a level of calmness to the job and that calmness helped navigate us even in the short time that I've been involved with the Council and before, during covid, Black Lives Matter, and No Kings Protests. Just the way that John came and balanced things, I think we were really lucky to have John Russo for all these years .
Mayor Frank Nunziato: We've had some very harrowing experiences together, covid and all of the other events we had to go through and you were nothing but exemplary in your leadership and guidance. So to my friend John Russo all I can say is that I care about you very much and I wish you the best.
"When I walk out of the Rutherford Police Station doors for the last time, I will be thinking about how much I will miss the men and women of this Department. They are co-workers, but also friends. I am looking forward to having these friendships again. There will no longer need to be a separation which will enhance those relationships. I am truly honored to have been the Chief of the Rutherford Police Department," explained Russo.