Rutherford mayor and council accept Police Chief John Russo’s retirement; deputy chief contract approved and two officers appointed

Rutherford’s mayor and council on July 13 accepted the resignation and impending retirement of Police Chief John Russo and approved next-step personnel actions, including an employment contract for Deputy Chief Sean Farrell and conditional appointments for two police officers.

Council President McGowan opened the council’s remarks with a lengthy tribute to Russo’s career, saying, “As Chief Russo prepares to retire from the Rutherford Police Department, I want to take a time to express my deepest gratitude for his exemplary service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety.” Council members from across the dais echoed that praise.

Councilman Guzman read a letter from Chief Russo, who wrote that “The Rutherford Police Department has been a huge part of my life” and noted his work preparing a succession plan that would allow Deputy Chief Farrell to step into leadership. The council then approved Resolution 150 authorizing an employment contract for Deputy Chief Sean Farrell; the motion passed by roll call.

Mayor Nunziato announced council consent to conditional offers of employment for Evan Alvarez and Juan Perano as police officers, subject to successful preemployment testing in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service rules. Borough officials said Chief Russo’s terminal-leave and other contract-based compensation are governed by his existing employment agreement and would not be altered by the council’s salary ordinance.

The council closed the public portion of the meeting by thanking Chief Russo for his service and announcing that the council would move into closed session later in the evening for a personnel matter. The appointments and the deputy chief contract were the most recent formal actions recorded at the meeting.