Ridgefield Police Chief John Roche announces retirement from Ridgefield Police Department
Chief Roche has served the department for nearly 38 years. He started his career as a patrol officer in Ridgefield in 1980.
Prior to coming to Ridgefield, Chief Roche was a police officer in Rockaway, New Jersey. Chief Roche graduated from the Morris County Police Academy in 1979. He was the spokesperson of the graduating class and received a Certificate of Merit for his accomplishments during the academy. As a patrol officer in Rockaway, the Chief received two commendations for his service.
Chief Roche was hired as a Ridgefield Police Officer in 1980 and finished 2nd in his class from the Connecticut Police Academy. The Chief held several positions at the department in his career. He was appointed to the Detective Division in 1983. He was promoted to sergeant in 1986 and lieutenant in 1990. Subsequently, he achieved the rank of captain in 1991 and major in 1999. In 2008 he was named the department’s fifth chief of police.
The men and women of the department will miss Chief Roche’s leadership. The Chief was at the forefront of progressive law enforcement practices. He was instrumental in updating the department’s technology and procedures to enhance our ability to perform at a high level. He is leaving an incredible legacy and we wish the Chief and his family the best.
From the men and women of the Ridgefield Police Department:
Chief Roche- you were a first-class chief and are a first class gentleman. Thank you for the leadership, the dedication and the pride that you showed every day. You are a man who we all look up to and a man who we all have learned from. The men and women of the Ridgefield Police Department are honored to have worked with/for you. Congratulations on your retirement.
Chief Roche, WE SALUTE YOU!