Police Chief Michael Shimsky Retires In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Michael Shimsky is retiring as Bernards Township Police Chief after serving 26.5 years in the department.

Shimsky told Patch he is retiring in order to pursue a private sector opportunity.

"It has been a great run and I will miss the department and staff very much," said Shimsky.

Shimsky's retirement was accepted at the Tuesday night Township Committee meeting.

"I want to thank him for his service to Bernards Township and thank him for his leadership in leading one of the best police departments in New Jersey," said Township Administrator Pat Monaco on Tuesday.

Deputy Mayor Andrew McNally also thanked Shimsky for his service to the township.

"Chief Shimsky led our police department through especially challenging times, most notably through the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his leadership, Bernards Township earned a well-deserved distinction for public safety and indeed in 2021 was ranked as the 5th safest town in the entire United States. That recognition does not come by accident. That was achieved in large measure due to the hard work and dedication by Chief Shimsky and the officers of our police department that he has led," said McNally.

Shimsky literally worked his way up to the top of the Bernards Township Police Department where he served as chief since 2018. Read More: Bernards Township Has A New Police Chief

Looking back over his time, Shimsky said he felt good knowing what he has accomplished while serving as chief.

"Most notable are a number of initiatives I have put in place that I am particularly proud of to include an officer fitness/wellness and resiliency program, a defensive tactics program as well as a very robust school active shooter training program to name a few," said Shimsky. "In addition, I am proud to have made the police department the most diverse it’s ever been in order to better reflect the residents we serve. Under my tenure, our department has also gained re-accreditation through the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police."

Shimsky's retirement will go into effect on Thursday, Dec. 1 when Captain Jon Burger will take over the temporary position of Officer In Charge.

"I know and we all know we will be in good hands," said Committeewoman Janice Fields of Burger taking the helm.

"I know that the department will be left in the excellent hands of Captain Jon Burger until a permanent chief is chosen. Captain Burger is more than capable and brings a high level of experience and will surely continue to make the department successful," said Shimsky.

The Township Committee also passed a resolution on Tuesday for unused accrued time payment due to Shimsky.

"Shimsky is entitled to an unused accrued time cash payment in the amount as calculated below based on an hourly rate of $89.08. The calculation shown below could be less but not more: Accrued Sick/Personal Payout, $98,127.59; Vacation Time Payout, $17,949.00; and Accrued Hours Worked Payout, $92,641," according to the resolution.

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