The History of the Lyndhurst Police Department

The Lyndhurst Police Department was established on January 1, 1907 by then Union Township Ordinance #39. It stated that the Police Department might consist of, as many officers as the Township committee deem necessary to enforce the laws and ordinances of the Township. (The name of the town was changed to Lyndhurst in 1917). The committee hired two men to start Captain George Cassidy and Patrolman Michael McIntyre.

The first Headquarters was located at 262 Ridge Road where it operated until the completion of the Lyndhurst Town Hall in 1924. The Police Headquarters is still located there and received major renovations between 1998 and 2003.

As the population grew through the immigration years, so did the Department. More officers were hired and in 1911, Officer Michael McIntyre became the first Chief.

The method of patrol in the early days was foot patrol, where officers were assigned to certain sections of town. The two main sections were the Lyndhurst Section (West of Ridge Road) and the Kingsland Section (East of Ridge Road).

The Department received its first motorized vehicle in 1914; however, foot patrol was still a vital part of patrolling the Township. Most of the residents and businesses in those years had no phones and they knew where they were likely to find an officer if needed. Foot patrol continued until it was phased out in the 1980’s.

The Department continued to progress, and keep up with the times. In 1930 the first ambulance was ordered where medical emergencies were handled solely by Police Officers, who served both as driver and aidman. (Volunteers did not assist with the Lyndhurst Police Emergency Squad until 1942). Also in the 1930’s the Department introduced motorcycle patrol and was the first Department to use two-way radios in Bergen County.

Since its beginning the Lyndhurst Police Department has continued to serve and protect its residents by obtaining the latest equipment and sending its officers to various in-service training classes.

To date approximately 188 Officers including 8 Chiefs have served the Township.

Through the years our Department has lost four Officers in the line of duty, not only has Lyndhurst lost the most Officers, but also had the first Officer to die in the line of duty in Bergen County. They were:

Capt. George Cassidy Photo

Capt. George Cassidy

1907 (Gunshot)

P.O. William Sparta Photo

P.O. William Sparta

1918 (Physical Assault)

P.O. Charles Liddle Photo

P.O. Charles Liddle

1933 (Motorcycle Accident)

P.O. Thomas Albino Photo

P.O. Thomas Albino

1947 (Gunshot)

Value Statement

The Lyndhurst Police Department will be guided by our core values in pursuit of our mission. Our core values are:

LEADERSHIP

We will ensure that our members are dedicated, highly trained and capable of handling the daily demands of the law enforcement profession. We promote a collaborative environment for sharing information, resources, assistance and expertise.

YES WE CAN

We believe in a “Yes We Can” attitude. We will exercise physical courage by reacting appropriately to threats even when faced with physical risk. We will demonstrate moral courage by doing the right thing even if it's not popular with others.

NOBLE

We are proud of the reputation our department has built over the years and are committed to continuing this through diligence and hard work.

DEDICATION

We are dedicated to ourselves, our department, and to the community and citizens that we serve. We will treat all persons in a dignified and courteous manner, and exhibit understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity, in both our professional and personal endeavors.

HONOR

We are committed to the highest ideals of honor and integrity to maintain the respect and confidence of government officials, subordinates, the public and fellow police officers.

UNIFIED EFFORTS

We believe in a partnership of support between the police and the community that we serve. We will continue to strengthen that support by developing new outreach programs and expand existing ones.

RESPECT

We will treat all persons in a dignified and courteous manner, and exhibit understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity, in both our professional and personal endeavors. We guarantee to uphold the principles and values embodied in the constitutions of the United States and the State of New Jersey.

SERVICE

We provide service in a courteous, efficient, and accessible manner. We foster community and employee involvement through problem-solving partnerships. Recognizing and responding with sincerity to those in need of our services.

TRUST

We have committed ourselves to elevated standards of trust, responsibility and discipline while promoting justice in a fair and impartial manner. We will earn the trust, and support of the citizens through active partnership, involvement and service to the community we serve.