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Bergen Sheriff Saudino, Undersheriff Shortway, Ridgewood Chief Ward
Shortway, a former Ridgewood police officer, said he was off duty on Goffle Road near the Wyckoff border when he saw a vehicle smash into a Hawthorne police cruiser.
“The men got out of the car and started to run,” he said. “I parked, got out of my truck and ran out to help.”
In keeping with his personality, Shortway steered credit toward other officers from other towns who were involved.
“We all worked together to figure out where they were going and to cut them off,” said the Marine Corps veteran, who lives in Midland Park.
Those officers quickly grabbed three suspects, but one was still on the loose when a citizen told Shortway which way the fourth had gone.
The undersheriff radioed his colleagues then helped them chase down their accused robber.
“Harry is incredibly brave and an excellent cop,” said Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino. “I also commend Chief Ward’s men in Ridgewood and all of the officers from all of the responding towns.”
Those agencies include the police departments from Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, and Hawthorne, as well as Saudino’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
“This is an excellent example of multiple agencies coming together to form a large, cohesive unit to enforce public safety,” said Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward. “The actions of Undersheriff Shortway not only demonstrate the continued spirit of cooperation we have come to enjoy with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office but exemplify the caliber and character of the Command Staff Sheriff Saudino has chosen to help lead his department.”
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