Cranford’s New Chief Is Lifelong Township Local

CRANFORD, NJ — Ryan Greco has been serving with the Cranford Police Department for the past 18 years and is a lifelong resident of the township.

Greco was sworn in as police chief during a township meeting on Oct. 24.

“It’s humbling,” Greco told Patch.

Greco was born and raised in Cranford, going through the entire township school system and eventually moving two blocks away from his childhood home.

“I have a photo hanging in my living room of my wife and I in the Cranford High School preschool program,” Greco said. “We went to preschool together.”

Greco said he knew of his wife growing up but weren’t dating at the time. It wasn’t until they were in their 20s when they reconnected.

Greco was hired as a Patrol Officer in 1999 to the Cranford Police Department. He was promoted to Detective in 2008 and Sergeant in 2014.

Working his way up the ranks, has helped Greco connect with his department.

“It helps me to stay in touch with the younger generation of police officers,” Greco said.

As the new chief, Greco has plans.

“We have a great social media presence but I want to make a stronger community policing model so that residents can know the faces of the officers,” Greco said.

“My top priority is to fight the opioid epidemic that is not only nationwide but also here in state, county and local levels, Greco said.

(Images via Cranford Police Department)

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