New Bergen County Police Chief is from Mahwah

Mahwah resident and Bergen County Public Safety Director Brian Higgins has been appointed County Police Chief, according to an announcement by County Executive Kathleen Donovan Monday.

Higgins, formerly an officer in Carlstadt and county police captain who was appointed Public Safety Director in January, replaces Uwe Malakas, who retired after 31 years on the county and Wallington police forces.

Malakas was appointed by former county executive Dennis McNerney and is retiring after eight months as county chief.

Mahwah Police Chief Jim Batelli told Patch he was very pleased with the selection.

“I think the choice of Brian Higgins as the Bergen County Police Chief was a great selection. Our agency has worked with Chief Higgins in a number of different capacities while he has been with the County Police. I have always found him to be both professional and knowledgeable in the law enforcement field,” Batelli said.

Higgins, who also is in charge of the Offices of Emergency Management and Highway Safety, will continue his role as safety director while serving as chief.

Donovan said combining the two positions is “part of her plan to improve overall efficiency and cost effectiveness through consolidation. Higgins' salary will be $175,555 reflecting an annual savings of approximately $288,000.”

Donovan also said she will be putting together a commission to address overlapping in county public safety expenses.

County Freeholder Maura DeNicola spoke of county law enforcement consolidation