New Top Cop Ward Assumes Command

Update: 1:10 p.m.

Serving as police chief in all aspects but title, Ridgewood Captain John Ward is "surprised but happy" with his new job.

Village Manger Dr. Ken Gabbert appointed Ward senior officer in charge July 16, which was outgoing Chief John LiPuma's last workday.

"I've been told I have full authority of chief and will be moving forward to do the best I can," said Ward, a 27-year Ridgewood officer. "I can't have a better group than this, and I will honor my commitment to Ridgewood. This town has been a special place for me."

LiPuma, who retires Sept. 1, will utilize his earned time and officially remains chief until his last day, Gabbert said in an e-mail. As the budget only provides for one chief, Ward will operate functionally as senior officer, but remain a captain and receive his same compensation at $159,123, according to Village Treasurer Stephen Sanzari.

The new commanding officer learned of his appointment Friday, and he said he was surprised.

"I was hoping to get it, but there's a lot of talented people here. I was happy, but I didn't have much time to sit there and think about," he said, as he started his new gig Friday at noon.

He seeks to keep the position, and said, "It's always been my aspiration. There's some things I have my own vision on, and I'd like to have the chance to do so. But it's a shared vision."

Ward wants to increase the department's community policing outreach. As senior officer—and if named full-time chief—Ward said he'd be "hands-on" and continue on bike patrol.

"I think I have a strong community policing background, and I'm hoping to get us back to that. Because of the economy, we have to be effective and efficient, and balance that with our operational readiness. Community policing is what puts us in a better position in responding to calls," he said.

Specifically, he said he considers the village "one big community," and looks forward to working with "all the stakeholders in the community... 

"I'm a firm believer in the team approaches, that's my personal philosophy. So you'll see me out there, working with people," Ward said.

The outgoing LiPuma joined the department in 1985 and became chief Jan. 1, 2009. Ward, the captain in charge of the detective division, will "dual-track" until a full-time chief is named by Gabbert and Village Council. That means he will perform some captain duties (on top of all chief's duties) and have "lieutenants pick up one or two of his functions."

The Police Department joins the Ridgewood Fire Department in having its chief replaced internally this year. Fire Chief James Van Goor was appointed interim leader following Chief James Bombace's retirement April 30.

Although both he and Van Goor have never commanded entire departments before, Ward said the two possessed enough management experience to excel at the jobs.

"It's a learning curve for every new chief. I believe Jim brings in lots of experience, and I am the detective captain. I have an administrative background, and there's a lot of department leaders who have offered to help. We will learn," Ward said.

Prior to serving as a police officer, Ward was an auxiliary officer, police dispatcher and Ridgewood emergency service worker. He also teaches management and leadership courses.

Nothing official can occur until September, but Gabbert said a provisional chief should be named before.