"Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik's Apparent Suicide Shocks New Jersey Communities"

Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik fatally shot himself inside a restaurant in Clifton, N.J., with sources indicating it was a self-inflicted gunshot. The incident occurred while he was finishing a meal at a Turkish restaurant, and the motive behind the act remains unclear. Berdnik, who had served as sheriff since 2011, was known for his dedication to law enforcement and had recently announced layoffs within his department. Officials and colleagues expressed shock and sadness at his unexpected death, emphasizing his commitment to serving the community.