Wood-Ridge Police Department
Joseph Rutigliano, Chief
85 Humboldt Street
Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075
Emergency
Dial: 911
Non-emergency
Tel: (201) 939-0476
Fax: (201) 939-2031
History of the Police Department
In the early days of the Borough, law enforcement was embodied in the person of a large man named Julius Doerflinger. Althrough he was just a Marshal or Constable, he acted in the capacity of chief, sergeant and patrolman. He patrolled the streets on foot, commanding respect and making the townspeople feel safe and secure.
It was not until 1922 that Arthur Ketschke was appointed as the first chief of the Borough's small Police Department. He served until 1927. His granddaughter, Sharon Grimaldi, now serves as the Borough Court Administrator.
Emile E. (Bugsy) Bourgignon was appointed in April 1927 and served until 1966, the longest tenure as a Police Chief in Bergen County history. Chief Bourgignon was the first to utilize a patrol vehicle late in 1927.
Chief Tom Stevenson was appointed in 1966 followed by Chief Joseph Basciano in 1974, Chief Paul Haebler in 1982 and Chief John Frank in 1986.
Chief Joseph T. Rutigliano was appointed January 1, 2000 and leads the department into the new millennium with a staff of 21 officers and patrolmen. Several of these officers wear two hats by serving in the patrol division and also serving as Detectives, traffic officers, juvenile officers, DARE officers, range officers, crime prevention and anti-crime officers.
All the officers are trained continuously throughout the year either within the police department or at Police Academies throughout the state. The police department is augmented in times of emergency by the Police Auxiliary, a group of residents who serve their community by volunteering their time.
Quick note using MapQuest:
If you need to type in Wood-Ridge when asked what City,
type in the following: Wood Ridge
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