New Police Chief Takes Charge In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Jon Burger was sworn in as Bernards Township Police Department’s new chief at Tuesday night’s committee meeting.

Burger has been serving in the Bernards Township Police Department since November 1998 when he was first hired.

"I am very grateful and honored to be chosen to lead the police department. I will be collaborating with my officers to make sure that our police department does its part to maintain the same high level of safety and security that the township has always enjoyed," said Burger to Patch.

Burger's appointment went into effect on Tuesday with an annual salary of $182,000 for a 40-hour work week, according to the township's resolution.

"He is held in high esteem by his colleagues in the police department and has an excellent demeanor, strong leadership skills, and is a person of extraordinary character," said Mayor Andrew McNally at the Tuesday Committee meeting.

"We welcome him. There's no question of character. He has served this township well for the past 24 years and we are looking forward to him leading the department and servicing our residents," said Committeeman James Baldassare.

"We are very fortunate to have him. He worked hard for this. Many years of service. It's going to be a wonderful journey for the community where his priority is making sure our community is safe," said Committeewoman Janice Fields.

Burger worked his way up the ranks. His first significant promotion was to Detective Sergeant in 2011.

In 2011, he also completed his master’s degree at Seton Hall University with a degree in Human Resources.

He was then promoted to Lieutenant in April 2018 and Captain in June 2022.

"Much of my career has been spent in the Detective Division (as a detective, a detective sergeant, and then as a Lieutenant in charge of the division)," said Burger.

Burger grew up in Springfield and graduated from Jonathan Dayton Regional High School in 1990. He currently lives in Bergen County with his wife Felicia and their son Jon who is 19 and in college.

Burger replaced Michael Shimsky who retired as police chief on Dec. 1, 2022, after serving 26.5 years in the department.

"I am very honored and humbled by the position and being able to lead the women and men of the Bernards Township Police Department," said Burger. "I will continue the excellent police service to the community as previous Chiefs have done before."

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