NORTH BERGEN – Mayor Nicholas Sacco swore in Robert Dowd as the ninth Chief of Police in the history of North Bergen in a ceremony on Friday, November 2nd at the brand new North Bergen Municipal Court Building, located at 4225 Bergen Turnpike. The event started at noon as Dowd takes over for Chief William Galvin, who officially retired earlier this week after an outstanding career.
Robert Dowd is a life-long resident of North Bergen where he owns a home with his wife Grace and daughter Ashley. He attended Horace Mann Elementary School and North Bergen High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University where he graduated Summa cum Laude, and is completing a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice. In his spare time, he is a volunteer basketball coach for North Bergen Recreation and serves as a Commissioner with the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission.
Robert Dowd joined the North Bergen Police Department in 1994 where he earned ten departmental awards for exceptional police service. As a Sergeant, he earned the Knights of Columbus Shield Award for apprehending an armed suspect in a hostage situation at the Bank of New York. As a Lieutenant, he was recognized by FBI Director Robert Mueller for Exceptional Service in the Public Interest for helping identify and arrest a career criminal who had robbed a total of ten banks in New York and New Jersey. As a Captain, he initiated an investigation with members of the Detective Bureau that led to the seizure of $700,000 in cash from a suspected drug dealer. His previous rank was Deputy Chief.
Robert is a certified police academy instructor and has also been qualified as a subject matter expert for the NJ Department of Personnel where he helped formulate promotional exams.
In addition to Mayor Sacco, the swearing in will be attended by the North Bergen Board of Commissioners, police from around the area and other North Bergen officials.