Faith, Family Root New South Brunswick Police Chief In Community He'll Now Lead

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — James E. Ryan will become the seventh police chief in the 90-year history of the South Brunswick Police Department when he officially assumes the role Tuesday, capping a career and a life the department says has been deeply rooted in faith and community.

Ryan and his wife, Kim, raised their four children in South Brunswick and have been members of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church for more than 25 years, according to the department.

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"South Brunswick is not simply the community where I have worked for 31 years — it is the community where Kim and I raised our children, built friendships, served our neighbors, and created a lifetime of memories," Ryan said. "I have always believed that being a police officer is about service. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue that service as Police Chief."

Ryan's faith commitment extends into his volunteer work. He has served on the board of Catholic Charities and, after Hurricane Sandy, was appointed by Catholic Charities to oversee disaster relief efforts throughout Middlesex County. He has also served on the boards of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, South Brunswick Education Foundation, NJ State PBA Survivor and Welfare, and Woman Aware, and coached youth soccer and basketball in the township for more than 10 years.

A 31-year veteran of the department, Ryan has served as deputy chief for the past eight years, overseeing daily operations. He is the first chief in department history to have served in every rank of the South Brunswick Police Department, with assignments as a patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief.

"I am truly blessed to have raised my family in this great community and now have the opportunity to become its police chief," Ryan said. "This community has given me so much throughout my career and throughout my life. To now have the opportunity to give back as chief is an incredible honor. I am grateful to the residents of South Brunswick, and I am committed to making our department the very best it can be for the people we serve."

Ryan also thanked township leadership for the appointment. "I want to thank Mayor Charlie Carley, the Township Council, and Township Manager Bryan Bidlack for selecting me as the seventh chief in our department's history," Ryan said. "Their support and encouragement are key to the success of our police department, and I am grateful for the confidence they have placed in me."

Mayor Charlie Carley praised Ryan's record. "Chief Ryan brings three decades of law enforcement experience, strong community engagement, a history of leadership in multiple roles, and a demonstrated ability to work with others," Carley said. "His commitment to service and to the South Brunswick community made him an excellent choice to lead our Police Department. We are fortunate to have someone with his experience, leadership, and dedication taking on this important role."

Ryan holds a bachelor's degree from Kean University and a master's degree from New Jersey City University. He has served as an adjunct professor at Middlesex College for 20 years and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Ryan headed the South Brunswick 9/11 Relief Fund, helping local families. After Hurricane Katrina, he coordinated disaster relief efforts between South Brunswick and D'Iberville, Mississippi.

Ryan has also served as a delegate to the New Jersey State PBA and received the organization's Member of the Year Award in 2008 for creating the NJ Cop Shot reward program and expanding community outreach. He currently serves as an instructor for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police on communication and community engagement, and has lectured at Fordham Law School, Seton Hall Law School and the Rutgers University School of Communication.

Ryan officially begins his tenure as South Brunswick's seventh police chief on Sept. 1.

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