'Honor Of A Lifetime': South Brunswick Police Chief Pens Farewell Letter To Community

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Hurricane Sandy. A global pandemic. Periods of social unrest. Police Chief Raymond Hayducka led South Brunswick through all of it — and now, after 38 years in law enforcement, he's saying goodbye.

Wednesday marks the last day for Hayducka in uniform. And he penned a deeply personal letter to the community.

Hayducka's retirement, first announced in February, becomes effective Sept. 1 after 38 years in law enforcement. Deputy Chief James Ryan will replace him.

"Today marks my final day in uniformed service to the great Township of South Brunswick," Hayducka wrote. "While this decision is bittersweet, I leave with deep gratitude, pride, and appreciation for the privilege of serving this community."

In the letter, Hayducka reflected on the department he is handing off, praising the "sworn and civilian members" who he said "represent the very best of law enforcement."

"Each day, they demonstrate professionalism, integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our residents," he wrote. "I have been incredibly fortunate to lead such an outstanding group of public servants."

He expressed confidence in his successor, calling Ryan "a proud Township resident who raised his family here" and someone "deeply committed to this community and to making the agency even stronger."

Ryan, currently deputy chief, will officially take over the top post Sept. 1, following a transition period the two are working through together, according to South Brunswick's earlier announcement of the retirement.

Hayducka's tenure spanned some of the township's most difficult stretches. In his letter, he pointed to Hurricane Sandy, the COVID-19 pandemic and "periods of social unrest that tested communities across our great nation" as moments that revealed what he called the character of South Brunswick.

"Through compassion, respect, and a shared commitment to one another, we emerged stronger, more resilient, and more united," he wrote.

Those experiences, he said, reinforced a belief he holds about policing itself.

"The strength of a police department depends not only on the dedication of its officers and civilian staff, but also on the trust and partnership it shares with the people it serves," Hayducka wrote, invoking Sir Robert Peel, widely regarded as the father of modern policing. "The police are the public, and the public are the police. There is no better example of that than South Brunswick Township."

Hayducka thanked residents, businesses, schools, community organizations and township employees for their "continued trust, partnership, and unwavering support" throughout his career, and credited that relationship with keeping South Brunswick "one of the safest and most welcoming communities in New Jersey."

He also singled out the township's elected leadership and administration, thanking the mayor, current and past members of the Township Committee, and Township Manager Bryan Bidlack for their "leadership, guidance, and steadfast support" of the department.

"I have said many times that every Chief of Police and agency should have the support we receive from the Mayor and governing body," Hayducka wrote.

Mayor Charlie Carley previously credited Hayducka for elevating the department's reputation statewide. "His unwavering commitment to professionalism has advanced our police department which is recognized across the state as one of the finest agencies in New Jersey," Carley said when the retirement was announced. "I am confident that the Chief will remain a reliable voice for the safety of our town."

Hayducka closed his letter with a message to the officers, both active and retired, who served under him.

"It has been the privilege of my career to serve alongside each of you," he wrote. "The accomplishments we have celebrated over the years reflect your hard work, commitment, and unwavering devotion to this community."

Though he is stepping down from the role, Hayducka said he isn't going far.

"Although I am retiring from this role, South Brunswick will remain my home," he wrote. "I plan to stay involved and continue to advocate for this police department and the Township."

"Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this remarkable community," he wrote. "It has truly been the honor of a lifetime."

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