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Ogdensburg police chief urges prompt civil-service announcement as multiple officers plan retirements
Summary
Chief Gordon told the borough council that four officers reach 25 years of service next year and indicated planned retirements in 2025; he urged the council to request a civil-service announcement for a police chief’s test so the borough can promote from within or pursue an open competitive process if needed.
Chief Gordon told the Ogdensburg Borough Council on May 28 that four officers will reach 25 years of service by July 1 next year and that several intend to retire in 2025, prompting a need for succession planning.
Why it matters: sustained retirements at once can create staffing and leadership gaps in a small department. Chief Gordon said the borough should request a civil-service announcement for a chief’s test to create promotion options and protect the department’s continuity.
Chief Gordon outlined details for the council: the two recently hired officers will "start the academy on July 8" and the academy concludes Nov. 27; under New Jersey Civil Service rules, a chief’s test is an oral examination, and the appointing authority must request an announcement. He explained civil-service’s preference for promotion from within but said an open competitive exam is possible if fewer than three eligible internal candidates exist. "Call now as soon as possible," he said, urging the borough to begin the process to preserve options as retirements approach.
Council members asked about the timeline and required paperwork; Chief Gordon said candidates typically wait months for results, and Civil Service eligibility determinations follow submission of supporting documentation. Councilman Ciasullo moved to start the process for Ogdensburg to request a chief’s-test announcement; the motion was seconded by Councilman DeMeo and passed (one abstention recorded). The council directed staff to submit the necessary request steps to Civil Service.
What’s next: Clerk and police staff will prepare the submission to Civil Service for an announcement; council members and the chief said they will monitor timelines and eligibility lists to support internal promotion where possible. The council’s vote does not name a successor or change current staffing until Civil Service processes complete.
