Paramus, NJ — A veteran law enforcement officer who spent more than three decades serving Bergen County is stepping away from the badge, as Detective Lieutenant Craig McEllen officially retired from the Paramus Police Department on April 30, 2026. Department leadership credited his long tenure with shaping both internal operations and community relationships across the borough.
The retirement marks the end of a career that spanned over 30 years, during which McEllen rose through the ranks and took on leadership roles within the department.
Leadership reflects on decades of service
Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti and Deputy Chief Frank Scott announced the retirement in a public statement, highlighting McEllen’s contributions to the agency and the broader community.
“Detective Lieutenant McEllen’s dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on this department and the community we serve,” the department said in its announcement.
The agency did not detail specific assignments or cases from McEllen’s career but emphasized the consistency of his service and influence over time.
Key Points
• Detective Lt. Craig McEllen retired April 30 after more than 30 years in law enforcement
• Paramus Police leadership credited his lasting impact on the department and community
• Retirement marks the end of a decades-long career in Bergen County
A career rooted in local service
McEllen’s tenure reflects a long-standing commitment to municipal policing in Paramus, a borough of roughly 26,000 residents in northern New Jersey. Officers with careers spanning multiple decades often serve through significant changes in policing practices, technology, and community expectations.
While the department did not release a full biography, officials noted that his leadership roles helped guide both colleagues and department operations over the years.
Moments like retirements often signal generational shifts within local departments, as experienced leadership transitions out and newer officers step into expanded responsibilities.
Department marks transition
The Paramus Police Department publicly thanked McEllen for his service and extended well wishes for his retirement, encouraging community members to recognize his career.
“On behalf of the entire Paramus Police Department, we thank him for his outstanding career and wish him and his family continued health, happiness, and success in retirement,” the statement read.
What comes next
McEllen’s retirement took effect April 30, and the department has not yet announced who will assume his responsibilities. His departure closes a 30-plus-year chapter of service in Paramus, with leadership acknowledging his role in shaping the department’s present-day operations.
