Police Honor Two Retiring from Department

The police department honored the service of two retirees, Chief Thomas Ripoli and Captain Roy Bortolus, with a ceremony in front of the department Wednesday morning.

“Being a police officer is not like most other jobs,” Chief Keith Bendul told friends, family, and colleagues of the two retirees.  “It’s not something you do; it’s something you become.”

Ripoli, who turned leadership of the department over to Bendul at the beginning of this year, joined the force in 1971 and served eight and a half years as chief. During his time with the department, he was recognized by the state’s Merit System Board five times for valor and three times for life saving.

The former chief is also a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy.

Bortolas worked his way up the ranks during his 30 years with the department. Prior to becoming captain in March 2002, he was an assault team member, hostage negotiator, team leader, counter-terrorism coordinator, and vulnerability assessment officer. He also commanded the patrol and traffic divisions.

Bortolas retired as captain of the detective bureau. During his tenure he was recognized by the merit board nine times: six times for meritorious service, twice for valor, and once for life saving.

“During the years I have learned from each of these men,” Bendul said. “I started learning from Roy when he was one of my field training officers right after the police academy, and the learning continued until the day he retired.”

“I was also fortunate as supervisor to have learned about supervision, leadership and, of course, motivation from Chief Ripoli.”

As part of the retirement ceremony, a tradition Ripoli started as chief, each was given a flag flown over the department on his last day on duty.

“When you look back and you ask yourself what it is that I’ve accomplished,” Mayor Mark Sokolich said in a speech, “you’ve accomplished keeping [Fort Lee’s] people safe, made the lives of children safer and better, and you’ve made an incredible impact.”

“We’ll always know that Fort Lee’s a better place because of your commitment and your accomplishments.”