Cureton Sworn In As Bergen's First African-American Sheriff

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Anthony Cureton was sworn in Tuesday as the first African-American sheriff of Bergen County.

Elected to a three-year term in a special election on Nov. 6, Cureton, an Englewood resident, will now lead a team of 600 officers and civilians who comprise the Sheriff’s office and are responsible for safeguarding close to 1 million residents living in 70 municipalities.

"I stand here today humbled by this moment, aware of the great responsibility I now carry, mindful of your expectations and ready to serve as your Bergen County Sheriff," said Cureton, standing before a large crowd that included family members, supporters, elected officials, faith leaders and numerous members of law enforcement, including many of the officers who will now serve under Cureton’s leadership. "The job is not easy, we can’t do it alone, but we can definitely do it with respect and honor."

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, who previously served as Bergen County prosecutor, administered the oath of office to Cureton.

"You have done much already for the men and women of Bergen County law enforcement and to the citizens of this county through your work as a police officer and through your work with the Bergen County Chapter of the NAACP, among other things," said Grewal. "Now you have the opportunity to do more – more for this department, more for this county and more for this state."

Cureton retired as a detective sergeant with the Englewood Police Deparmtment after 25 years. For the last three years, he served as director of inmate social services/education for the Bergen County Sheriff's Office. He has served as president of the Bergen County branch of the NAACP.

Cureton also teaches criminal justice as an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and Ramapo College.

Cureton defeated four candidates in the special election.

The election was a bit rushed because Saudino was in the middle of a three-year term before he resigned Sept. 21. A tape of him allegedly making racist and homophobic remarks to fellow officers was recorded and released to the press. (See related: Bergen Sheriff Quits After He's Caught Making Racist Remarks)

In the secret conversation, which was recorded Jan. 16 after Governor Phil Murphy was inaugurated, Saudino allegedly can be heard telling colleagues what he thought Murphy's speech was about: "...let the blacks come in, do what the f--- they want, smoke their marijuana, do this do that," according to WNYC, who first published the recording.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Newly-elected Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton speaks before a large crowd after being sworn in at a ceremony held at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack