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A police union representing officers of the Bergen County Sheriff Friday condemned the "racist" comments allegedly made by former Sheriff Michael Saudino.
"There is no excuse for making racist, homophobic and hateful statements, at a time when we all need to come together and recognize that the color of skin, ethnicity or religion should never make a difference. negative commentary, offensive language, "said Matthew Murray, president of PBA Local 134." The sheriff's unacceptable statements do not reflect the opinions of law enforcement community members that represents Local 134 of the PBA. "
The union represents more than 430 officers and correctional officers from the sheriff's county of Bergen, Murray said.
The union accepted Saudino's decision to resign on Friday. (See related: The sheriff of Bergen closes after making racist remarks)
The resignation came as a result of a report that he was reportedly making racist comments about African Americans and the Attorney General of the State. Four others in his office also resigned.
Saudino announced Friday that he was resigning immediately. In addition, Deputy Assistant Director George Buono, Deputy Sheriff Robert Colaneri, Deputy Sheriff Brian Smith and Deputy Sheriff Joseph Hornyak also resigned immediately.
Saudino's office released the statement a day after Governor Phil Murphy called for his resignation. Saudino first apologized for these remarks but did not say that he would resign as sheriff, adding that his remarks do not represent his identity as a person.
In the secret conversation, which was recorded on January 16 after Murphy's inauguration, we could hear Saudino tell his colleagues what he thought was Murphy's speech: "… let the blacks in, do what the f — they want, smoke their marijuana, do that, according to WYNC, who released the record for the first time.
Saudino allegedly complained at the time of registration that Gurbir Grewal had been appointed Attorney General solely on the basis of his "turban". Grewal is the first Sikh Attorney General of the nation.
Murphy said these remarks were "totally unacceptable".
"Undoubtedly, the comments made on this recording are appalling and anyone who uses racist, homophobic and hateful language is unfit to perform a public function," said the governor in a statement to Patch. "If it's Sheriff Saudino's voice on the recording, he has to resign."
On Friday, Murphy said Saudino's resignation meant "we can now begin the process of restoring confidence in the Bergen County Sheriff's Office after so much has been so quickly eroded."
"And we can begin to ensure that the sectarian beliefs presented by the former sheriff are not sheltered in the offices of the sheriff of Bergen County – now or in the future," he added.
Gerwal, who lives in Glen Rock, issued a statement Thursday afternoon. He also said that Saudino should resign immediately.
"I have now listened to the recording obtained by the WNYC.If it is the voice of Sheriff Saudino, then he should resign immediately," said Grewal. "I have thick skin and have called me a lot worse." But comments about the African American community are fake, racist and hurtful.The comments about our lieutenant governor are inappropriate and homophobic. Jersey and Bergen County deserve better. "
While awaiting the appointment of a sheriff by Murphy, the sheriff's bureau chief, Kevin Pell, will be the sheriff's operations manager. According to the authorities, the director of the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, Steve Ahrendt, will be the head of operations at Bergen County Prison.
In the recording, Saudino could also be heard by questioning Lieutenant Governor Shelia Oliver, who is not married, according to the WNYC. Oliver lives in Oakland. "Is she gay?" Saudino said, according to the report. "Because she's never been married."
Bergen County Director James Tedesco III issued a statement on Murphy on Thursday.
"Having worked with the sheriff for years, I am shocked and disappointed to hear those comments," said Tedesco. "The diversity of Bergen County is our strength and its statements are clearly inconsistent with our values.In the public interest, it should resign."
The council of free shareholders of Bergen County also said that Saudino should resign.
"As a body and as individuals, we are disappointed by the comments attributed to Sheriff Saudino.These comments are totally unacceptable and go against everything we believe in. We call the sheriff to withdraw. "
According to the WNYC, there were several people in the room with Saudino during the creation of the recording, including two sub-sheriffs, who were not identified in the report.
With reports from Tom Davis, Patch staff
Office of the sheriff of Bergen County photo of Saudino
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