Mendham Boro's New Police Chief Sworn In

The ascension of new Mendham Borough Chief of Police Pasquale (Pat) Libertino through the ranks of the department to become its eighth chief is not your typical story.

A motorcycle accident approximately three years ago nearly claimed Libertino’s life and left him in a comatose state.

Still, the new Chief of Police rose above the adversity and, on the day after his 25th anniversary as a member of the , was sworn into the position in a ceremony held at a packed Garabrant Center Monday evening.

Joining members of the public and members of the borough’s police department in the standing-room-only crowd were state and county dignitaries such as Congressmen Rodney P. Frelinghuysen and Sen. Anthony Bucco, as well as State Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, Jr. and Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi.

“The amount of people we have from the community and the friends of Chief Pat Libertino, I think, speaks volumes for the type of chief we’ll be getting,” Mendham Borough Mayor Neil Henry said. “He’s a part of our community and has been an integral part of our community.”

Religion was a theme throughout the ceremony. A short prayer from Borough Police Chaplain Rev. Michael Drury, who emphasized the new chief’s role in the community, gave way to Libertino being sworn into office.

“It really speaks volumes about what it means to serve and what it means to serve a community like Mendham Borough,” Drury said. “In a few moments when you place hand on this Bible, you are also placing your hand on heart of this community, the heart of this department and all the people who love and care about you. As you are sworn in, you become an image for all of us to model, all of us to follow, appreciate and embrace.”

Libertino, a man of particularly strong faith following his motorcycle accident, first gave thanks to God and Jesus Christ, whom he credited with saving his life following the accident.

“I’ve turned my life over to them. They have saved my life. They have made me into a man and continue to make me into a man,” Libertino said. “If God doesn’t touch me (following the accident), I don’t come back.”

Libertino was also thankful for the presence of all those in attendance on Monday night, thanking everyone in the crowded room throughout his speech.

“It means a lot to me for all of you to be here, and it’s going to be an honor to serve you as the Chief of Police of Mendham Borough,” Libertino said. “You have a friend that will do the right things in the police department.”

Libertino also made time to assure the members of the public that, no matter what type of problem they experience, the department will listen.

“I’m going to give 100 percent to this community. It’s not about police work; it’s about doing the right thing. It’s about honesty, integrity and service,” Libertino said. “I will assure you I’m here, and when any resident comes to me with a problem, I’m not going to turn them away.”