Madison Police Chief Retires

Madison Police Chief John Trevena announced his retirement Wednesday, effective immediately, the mayor said.

Trevena served in law enforcement for nearly 30 years, having started his career in Morris Township in 1983 and joining the in 1986. He became Madison's chief in June of 2009.

"It has been an honor to serve the residents of Madison and to lead one of the finest police departments in Morris County," Trevena said in a statement.

Mayor Bob Conley said Trevena will be missed and his leadership as chief is greatly appreciated.

“Chief John Trevena has had a remarkable 30-year career in public service," Conley said. "He has spent 27 of those years serving the residents of Madison. We will miss him and we greatly appreciate the leadership he has given the department over the past four years as our chief.”

Lt. Darren Dachisen is in charge of day-to-day operations of the department, as was protocol when Trevena was on vacation, Conley said. Trevena will stay on the books as chief through Feb. 1 while he collects accrued sick and vacation time, and a permanent chief would be appointed at that time, he said.

An acting chief could be appointed at the next Borough Council meeting, scheduled for Aug. 13. Council President Jeannie Tsukamoto said the governing body will discuss staffing and management of the police department at that time.

Tsukamoto, the liaison to the police department, said she enjoyed working with Trevena and that officials will work to ensure a smooth transition.

"I have enjoyed working with Chief Trevena the past four years," Tsukamoto said. "We greatly appreciate his 27 years of service in Madison and I wish him the best in his future endeavors. ... Good public safety is vital to maintain the quality of life our residents enjoy. As the liaison to the department, I will work with the administration and the department to ensure a seamless transition and continue to find opportunities to improve services for our residents."

Asked on Monday if there was anything he would say about speculation he was retiring, Trevena said, "No, I'm eligible to retire anytime I want."

Lawsuit

Over the past few months, Trevena and the chief's position in general were brought up at Borough Council meetings, mainly in the context of questions from former Councilman Sam Cerciello about a settlement for a lawsuit filed by a former police officer.

Retired Patrolman Anthony Kaspereen that involved patroling the borough by foot in summer heat for nine hours at a time in 2010 and caused him to suffer health problems.

Trevena was named as a defendant in the lawsuit and, at the most recent meeting, the borough attorney said details about the settlement under the Open Public Records Act.

In court documents, the borough denied the assignment was given as punishment. Borough attorney Matthew Giacobbe said officials would not comment on the lawsuit because the settlement contains confidentiality clauses and that it was settled with no admission of wrongdoing on either side.

According to a transcript of a deposition given in the case, PBA President Anthony Maccario, a Madison police patrolman, said the chief's alleged orders for Kaspereen's assignment particularly that Kaspereen was not to respond to calls or receive assistance at a time when , which Maccario agreed with Kaspereen's attorney was dangerous.

Prior to working for the Morris Township Police Department, Trevena was a member of the Police Explorers with the Morristown Police Department starting in 1979. In Madison, he was promoted to sergent in 1994, lieutenant in 2001, and captain in 2002.

Trevena has a bachelor's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a graduate of West Point Command & Leadership Program among other programs, according to his bio on RoseNet.org.

Last June, Trevena .

Trevena's bio on RoseNet.org says his hobbies include "fishing, coaching soccer, baseball, football, going to the beach."