Richard Berdnik Obituary – Law enforcement sources have reported that Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik was discovered deceased inside Toros Restaurant in Clifton, New Jersey on Tuesday, in what appears to be a case of suicide. NewsCopter 7 captured aerial footage of the scene. Sheriff Berdnik had served as the county sheriff since 2011 and had recently been re-elected in 2022. Before his tenure as sheriff, he dedicated nearly thirty years to the Clifton Police Department. As this story develops, further updates will be provided.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, remember that there is help available. The national lifeline at 988 offers free and confidential assistance 24/7. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, provides support for mental health, substance abuse, and alcohol-related issues. New Jersey law enforcement officers and their families can also seek assistance through Cop2Cop, a 24-hour peer support program. They can be reached at 1-866-Cop2Cop (1-866-267-2267) or via email on the Cop2Cop website.