Crime & Safety
Bergen County Police Chief Retires, Mahwah Resident Named As Replacement
County Public Safety Director Brian Higgins will become next chief.
Bergen County Public Safety Director Brian Higgins has been appointed County Police Chief, County Executive Kathleen Donovan announced Monday.
Higgins, of Mahwah, replaces Uwe Malakas, who retired after 31 years on the county and Wallington police forces. Malakas was named chief in November by former County Executive Dennis McNerney after serving as officer-in-charge of the county force.
Higgins, who also is in charge of the offices of Emergency Management and Highway Safety, will continue his role as safety director while serving as chief.
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Donovan said combining the two positions is “part of her plan to improve overall efficiency and cost effectiveness through consolidation. Higgins' salary will be $175,555 reflecting an annual savings of approximately $288,000.”
Donovan also said she will be putting together a commission to address overlapping in county public safety expenses.
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