Bill A4904 To Extend Retirement Age For Edison Police Chief

Assemblymen Stanley and Karabinchak Push Bill For Embattled Police Chief Tom Bryan

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4904, aiming to extend the retirement age for police and fire chiefs, has become intertwined with the long and, at times, controversial tenure of Edison Police Chief Tom Bryan. While the bill does not address anyone by name, its timing has placed Chief Bryan’s upcoming mandatory retirement upon turning 65 squarely in the spotlight, raising questions about tailored legislation and the department’s history.

A4904, with primary sponsors Assemblyman Sterley Stanley and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, proposes to amend existing legislation concerning mandatory retirement ages. Current New Jersey law mandates retirement for members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) at 65. A temporary exception, P.L.2022, c.9, allowed some chiefs to serve until 67. A4904 seeks to extend this window further, potentially allowing chiefs who turn 65 within four years of the original law’s effective date to remain in their positions.  

“Targeted carve-outs for a few individuals within the PFRS system is a recipe for disaster. It creates a system where some play by different rules than others. That’s not how a pension fund, or any public system, should operate. It breeds resentment, undermines trust, and ultimately jeopardizes the long-term health of the entire PFRS system. This kind of preferential treatment is bad policy, plain and simple,” said retired Captain Bruce Polkowitz, a former PFRS Pension Board Member and former Edison PBA SOA President. “It’s ridiculous the legislature would even consider such a bill considering all the qualified officers available to fill vacancies. It reminds of an old athlete who does not know when its time to hang up their cleats.”

This proposed change has direct implications for Edison Police Chief Tom Bryan. His impending retirement has made A4904 a topic of local interest with the bill paving the way for him to continue his service. This connection has amplified the debate surrounding the bill, raising questions about the tailored legislation for one of the states most embattled police chiefs

Chief Thomas Bryan’s tenure at the Edison Police Department has been marked by persistent controversy and a failure to effectively address deeply rooted issues. From the outset, promises of reform were overshadowed by a string of misconduct allegations, internal strife, and costly lawsuits. A simple Google search reveals multiple articles Betraying the badge: Edison police produce astonishing record of misconduct which highlighted a pattern of officer wrongdoing, while Law and disorder: Edison’s police force plagued by infighting, lawsuits exposed a department fractured by internal conflicts. Even early settlements, such as the $200,000 resolution of the “wagon wheel of death” lawsuit, signaled significant problems that were not adequately resolved.

Despite initial claims of reform to fix the department’s issues, Bryan’s leadership has consistently failed to deliver. The problems that plagued the department at the beginning of his tenure have persisted, even intensifying in the last three years. The ongoing issues over the past three years demonstrate a continued pattern of misconduct and internal disputes, indicating a systemic failure to implement meaningful and lasting reform. These persistent troubles suggest a lack of effective leadership and a failure to address the department’s deep-seated problems, casting a long shadow over his time as chief.

In October 2022, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced a grand jury had returned a 24-count indictment against four suspended Edison police officers, revealing a pattern of alleged corruption within the department. The indictment detailed a range of serious charges, including racketeering, bribery, theft, money laundering, and witness tampering, indicating a systemic issue beyond isolated incidents, underscoring the ongoing challenges of accountability and reform within the force.

In August 2023, an Edison Township police officer, while driving drunk, caused a catastrophic crash on Route 27 in Franklin, tragically killing two people. This devastating incident led to his conviction on two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide, and in early 2024, he was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

In July 2024, Edison Township reached a $90,000 settlement with veteran police officer Nicole Fields, a highly regarded member of the force, to resolve a racial discrimination lawsuit. Notably, the Township Council was reportedly kept uninformed of the agreement, which was approved by the Central Jersey Joint Insurance Fund (JIF). Fields’ lawsuit alleged a pattern of racial discrimination, a hostile work environment, discriminatory failure to promote, and retaliation within the Edison Police Department. This settlement, while resolving the legal dispute, raised questions about transparency and accountability within the township’s administration and further highlighted concerns regarding the department’s handling of diversity and inclusion.

In September 2024, Chief Bryan’s oversight of police resources came under intense scrutiny following Mayor Sam Joshi’s trip to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The controversy centered on four Edison police officers assigned to the mayor’s security detail. While Mayor Joshi asserted that he reimbursed the township $20,000 to cover the officers’ expenses, scheduling records leaked by a departmental whistleblower directly contradicted his claim. The $20,000 payment, rather than resolving the issue, has instead deepened the mystery, raising serious questions about the true source of funding and the propriety of the officers’ deployment.

In November 2024 Chief Bryan’s actions, involving the removal of those displaying the American flag at public meetings, sparked national controversy. Accusations of censorship and political influence have arisen, raising concerns about First Amendment rights and the role of law enforcement. The incident, where patriotic expression clashed with the need for order, was further complicated by the fact Chief Bryan’s actions were directly influenced by instructions from Council President Nish Patel.

In a January 2025 federal lawsuit, a Middlesex County resident is seeking $5 million from Edison Township and its police department. The case is strengthened by the fact that Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Colleen Flynn previously dismissed the charges stemming from the incident, stating they did not pass the “smell test.”

The discussion around A4904 transcends the simple question of retirement ages. It intersects with the complex and often scrutinized history of the Edison Police Department under Chief Bryan’s leadership. The department has faced numerous challenges and controversies during his tenure, impacting its reputation within the community. These past issues, while not directly addressed by A4904, form a crucial backdrop to the current debate. Any legislative action that could prolong Chief Bryan’s time in office will be considered in light of this history.  

The proposed A4904, intended to allow police chiefs to serve beyond mandatory retirement ages, presents a dilemma, particularly in the context of Edison. While proponents tout the benefits of maintaining stability and navigating complex policing issues, the bill appears to ignore the glaring realities of Chief Bryan’s tenure. Critics rightly point out the stifling of career advancement for other officers and the appearance of special interest legislation.

In Edison, where Chief Bryan’s leadership has been consistently marred by controversy and internal strife, the notion of extending his term raises serious questions about the bill’s wisdom. Given the department’s troubled history, the idea that this bill would bring stability seems deeply flawed, making it difficult to comprehend how such a measure could be presented by Assemblyman Sterley Stanley and Assemblyman Rob Karabinchak.

With Assembly Bill A4904 and Senate Bill S3735 now in legislative review, the spotlight intensifies on this contentious proposal. Against the backdrop of the Edison Police Department’s well-documented history of turmoil, and its association with Chief Bryan, the bill’s broader implications for police leadership in New Jersey are being heavily debated. The final legislative decision will have a profound impact on future police chief roles and the state’s policing practices.