Former Haworth Police Chief Patrick O’Dea, who retired in 2010 and is now an attorney who supports law enforcement, recently was awarded the 2025 Chief Sandy Danco Service Award, by the N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police.
O’Dea – who was a member of the NJSACOP and the Bergen County Police Chief’s Association for nearly 25 years – accepted the award during the annual NJSACOP gala in Atlantic City June 25, receiving a standing ovation from hundreds of police chiefs and other leading law enforcement in the state.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, an organization I deeply respect for its continued dedication to upholding quality policing throughout the state,” O’Dea said.
In accepting the award from former NJSACOP President John Russo, whose term ended June 30, O’Dea said it was an honor to volunteer for the proactive organization over the years.
Chief Russo selected O’Dea because of his “exemplary service,” as well as his “tireless commitment and legal guidance” to his brother and sister chiefs, both as an active chief and a retired one.
“It was extra special to receive the award from John Russo,” O’Dea said. “John and I worked together in Bergen County; it was great to see him become president of the NJSACOP. I admire him for all he has accomplished.”
O’Dea is a graduate of the first Drug Recognition Expert class in New Jersey and became one of the first 10 municipal police officers certified in New Jersey as a DRE. O’Dea also completed the FBI Leadership and Executive Development program at Princeton University.
In 2009, he was elected as president of the BCPCA and is an Emeritus Member of the BCPCA’s Executive Board. O’Dea also serves as counsel to the BCPCA.
Throughout his nearly 26-year law enforcement career, O’Dea held every rank in the Haworth Police Department. He was appointed to chief on Jan. 1, 2001, and retired May 1, 2010.
Instituted by the NJSACOP in 2007, the Chief Sandy Danco Award recognizes annually a member Chief for outstanding service to the association, the membership and the law enforcement profession.
The award was named in honor of retired Clark Police Department Chief Anton “Sandy” Danco, a past president of the NJSACOP. Chief Danco served as an exemplary leader of the NJSACOP, mentoring and tirelessly advocating for police chiefs and professional police leadership in New Jersey.
