Crime & Safety
Wyckoff Police Lieutenant Promoted To Acting Chief
Lt. David Murphy has been leading the department since Chief Christopher C. Fox stepped down amid a racial profiling investigation.
WYCKOFF, N.J. — Lt. Daniel Murphy was promoted to acting chief of the Wyckoff Police Department on an interim basis Tuesday night.
The Township Committee voted unanimously voted to appoint Murphy to the position.
“Under the supervision of Lt. Murphy and his hardworking team, our police department has implemented necessary changes to department policy and training to ensure the highest standards of law enforcement for all residents and visitors,” said Wyckoff Township Mayor Kevin J. Rooney. “The township committee has full confidence in Lt. Murphy’s ability to lead our police department as Acting Chief. We appreciate his dedication to the highest standard of law enforcement and public safety.”
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Murphy could not be immediately reached for comment.
Murphy has 21 years of law enforcement experience, including 10 in "a leadership position," Rooney said. He has received various awards for his work in trying to combat drunk driving, several letters of merit, and two two commendations for his responses to armed robberies in 2001 and 2011.
Find out what's happening in Wyckofffor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Murphy has also been honored for his 25 years of service as a Wyckoff volunteer firefighter, including four as chief.
Murphy has been the officer in charge of the department since Chief Benjamin C. Fox stepped down in March while the state Attorney General's Office investigates an email he allegedly sent in 2014 encouraging racial profiling.
The American Civil Liberties Union's New Jersey office released a copy of the letter in March, in which Fox told his staff that, “profiling, racial or otherwise, has it’s (sic) place in law enforcement when used correctly and applied fairly.”
The Township Council demoted Fox to a patrolman and suspended him without pay for 180 days last month. The council also gave township attorney permission to "begin disciplinary action against the chief."
"Under Acting Chief Murphy’s leadership, we have no doubt that our police officers will continue to operate with the utmost respect for everyone in our community," Rooney said.
Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com
Related: Wyckoff Police Chief Steps Down Amid Racial Profiling Investigation
Related: Wyckoff Police Chief Demoted Over Racial Profiling Email
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