Thompson, a resident of Rutherford since 1984, served in the Rutherford Police Department for 28 years before retiring in 2001. He had been the captain in charge of the detective bureau for six years when he retired.

"I welcome the opportunity," he said. "There’s a bunch of great men and women over there all the way to the top." When asked about the many objections to the civilian position raised by officers since it was first proposed in January, Thompson responded, "It’s understandable. I respect their opinions." He said he plans first to meet with current Captains George Egbert and Joseph Merli and subsequently with the entire department upon starting in the new position.

The position pays $82,000 per year with no benefits. Thompson, who said he retired to spend more time with his family, already receives a pension for his years in the department. He starts work on May 5.

When asked why he abstained from the vote, Sasso responded, "Because nobody communicates… I don’t even know who John Thompson is." Sasso said there hadn’t been sufficient communication among the council about Thompson or other possible candidates for director. "We spent two months debating about a police chief and we spent five minutes deciding on a police director… I didn’t abstain against [Thompson], I abstained against this," he said, gesturing to the dais.

For more information, see the May 7 edition of the South Bergenite.