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Video: Retired Police Chief Proud That Force Has Made New Milford One Of NJ's Safest Towns

FINAL WALKOUT: It's not easy to produce one of the safest municipalities in all of New Jersey -- especially when you're on the outskirts of cities with high crime rates -- which helps account for the pride that retired New Milford Police Chief Frank Ramaci had during his final walkout on Tuesday.

Retired Police Chief Frank Ramaci's final walkout (Feb. 12, 2019)

Photo Credit: VIDEO: New Milford Police Officer Michael Lafrano

"I'm proudest of the officers who've worked tirelessly during my tenure to protect the residents and business owners of New Milford," said Ramaci, a 25-year department veteran who became chief in early 2015.

Last year, an alarm company rated New Milford the second-safest municipality in New Jersey -- following a high finish the year before -- based on crime statistics.

New Milford had 0.12 violent crimes and 2.44 property crimes per 1,000 residents, according to alarms.org.

Much of that can be credited to "expanding community policing and improving the culture of our police department," Ramaci said.

VIDEO (above): Courtesy New Milford Police Officer Michael Lafrano

Ramaci joined the force in 1993.

After about a decade on patrol, he was loaned out to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office before returning and becoming detective, and then detective sergeant.

Ramaci became a detective lieutenant in 2012, then chief four years ago.

While his proudest achievement is the dedication of department members, Ramaci is also grateful that he had "the opportunity to design and be part of our new police headquarters."

He also pointed to the "multi-pronged attack on the opioid crisis" by the department and area law enforcement.

For now, like most retiring chiefs, Ramaci is exploring his options.

"I'm fortunate to have opportunities," he said.

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