Brick Chief Riccio Retiring After 36 Years With Police Force

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio was honored by Mayor John Ducey and the Township Council Tuesday evening as he prepares to retire after seven years leading the department.

Riccio's last day is Jan. 31, Ducey said in remarks honoring the chief, who has served in the department for more than 36 years.

"This is a bittersweet night but a great night. It's a great day for Chief Riccio and his family but a hard day for those of us in Brick Township," Ducey said. "I want to thank you for all your hard work. You really made my time as mayor a lot easier, keeping our town safe and our residents safe."

Riccio was born in Bayonne, where his grandfather was a police officer and his father was a battalion chief in the fire department, and moved to Brick Township as a teenager, Ducey said.

Riccio, who was a volunteer with the Breton Woods Fire Company, joined the Brick Township Police Department in August 1986. Over his career, he worked in nearly every role in the department and had special assignments, including being assigned to the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force and served as unit commander of the Brick Police Department's Drug Enforcement Unit.

Riccio served on the department's Internal Affairs Division until he was put on special assignment in 2004 with the prosecutor's office investigating official corruption.

In June 2005 Riccio became part of the FBI task force that investigated allegations of official corruption, and was eventually assigned to the investigation known as Operation Bid Rig.

Riccio was promoted to captain in October 2007 and to deputy chief in May 2011, before becoming the township's third police chief, succeeding Nils Bergquist, in December 2015.

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During his tenure as chief, Riccio revived the Selective Enforcement Team, now known as the Street Crimes Unit — he had served on the original SET in 1988. The department also launched the Blue Hope program, to help those struggling with addiction get into treatment; the Neighborhood Watch program, and patrol districts within the township, to build community ties between the residents and the officers.

"It is very bittersweet," Riccio said of his retirement. , noting the department was still fairly new when he joined. "Policing was very different."

"I've witnessed many tragedies during my career. I've seen people in their worst times and in their best. As difficult as a career in law enforcement can be, it can also be very rewarding when it is you or your partner who is able to save a life or help someone in need," Riccio said.

Riccio thanked his family for their support of his career. He also praised Ducey and the township administration and township council for their support of the department.

"I've said it many times before over the years: This mayor and this council does everything in their power to support our cause and what we do, and they honestly do care about this community," Riccio said. "I've served under a number of mayors and quite a few council people in my time. What I can tell you is the support and work that we do together is amazing."

Riccio also praised the officers in the police department, saying, "The support I have received from these men and women has allowed me to move the department forward."

Ducey, who proclaimed Jan. 31 as Chief James Riccio Day, said the officers of the department reflect his leadership.

"Because of your leadership, we have the best of the best," Ducey said.

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