The North Bergen Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation for outgoing Police Chief Peter Fasilis, who is retiring after 26 years of service at the end of the month, as HCV first reported.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I am humbled by the support that my colleagues, friends and family have shown me throughout the years. Retiring is bittersweet as I leave the force in a better position than it was when I joined 26 years ago,” Fasilis said in a statement.
“We have seen many changes towards a policing model that encourages positive relationships between our officers and the community. I am proud of my role in making our police department a better and more compassionate place for both our community and our officers. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life and I’d like to congratulate Deputy Chief [Robert] Farley on his new position as Police Chief.”
Township officials praised the chief’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, crediting him for implementing effective measures to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect both officers and citizens, as well as expanding the department to 154 officers.
The news of Fasilis’ retirement, along with Farley succeeding him, first broke on last week’s episode of HCV Live & Uncut when Mayor Nick Sacco was the guest.
“Chief Fasilis has been an exceptional leader, guiding our police force with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. His retirement marks the end of an era, and we are immensely grateful for his dedicated service to North Bergen,” Sacco added.
During his tenure, Fasilis spearheaded the department’s accreditation process, a rigorous evaluation of its policies, procedures, and practices. They have since received re-accreditation twice.
“Our police force gets better with each police chief and Chief Fasilis’ influence will absolutely be felt for generations to come,” noted North Bergen Commissioner of Public Safety Allen Pascual.
“I know North Bergen’s communities will benefit from the modern solutions that he brought to life during his tenure at the helm. We congratulate Chief Fasilis and thank him for his service. I have faith that our new chief, Robert Farley, will continue to carry his predecessor’s legacy and make his own mark on the department.”
Furthermore, Fasilis was recognized for voluntarily implement police body cameras before the state Attorney General’s Office mandated them, North Bergen PD remaining in the lowest tier of use of force incidents in the state, assigning office to public schools, hiring a police psychologist, and expanding community policing efforts, among other things.
As for Farley, he is a third generation member of the North Bergen PD: both his father and grandfather served in the department and retired with the rank of deputy chief.
Also a lifelong resident, Farley will serve as the 11th police chief in the department’s history.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the next Police Chief of North Bergen,” he stated.
“I am committed to upholding the high standards set by Chief Fasilis and working collaboratively with our officers and the community to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”
