PHOTO RELEASE:
January 6, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Sands
DSands@BergenCountyNJ.gov

COUNTY EXECUTIVE TEDESCO ATTENDS RIDGEFIELD AND ORADELL REORGANIZATION CEREMONIES

Swears In Borough of Ridgefield Fire Chief and Battalion Chief, Congratulates Council Members in Oradell and Ridgefield

HACKENSACK, NJ — Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III joined local officials and residents for council reorganization ceremonies in Ridgefield and Oradell on Monday, January 5, 2026.

In Ridgefield, County Executive Tedesco was proud to congratulate Council Members Joanna Congalton-Hali and Christopher J. Martucci on their respective re-election and election to the Ridgefield Borough Council. In Oradell, Tedesco congratulated newly elected Council Members Margaret L. Harrer and David Mitchell Bandfield on their swearings-in to the Oradell Borough Council.

“With 70 municipalities and nearly one million residents, it is crucial that we build collaborative relationships with our council members to ensure that we are delivering real results for our community,” said County Executive Tedesco. “I am proud to welcome our newly elected and incumbent council members in Ridgefield and Oradell to the start of their new terms and look forward to doing exactly that, as we continue to work together on behalf of our Bergen County residents.”

In Ridgefield, Tedesco was also honored to swear in Scott Russo as Borough of Ridgefield Fire Chief and Frank Elenio as Ridgefield Battalion Chief.

Chief Russo previously served as the Deputy Fire Chief to the Bergen County Fire Academy and dedicated nine years of service to the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute as a Fire Instructor.

“I was also incredibly honored to swear in Scott Russo as the Borough of Ridgefield Fire Chief and Frank Elenio as Ridgefield Battalion Chief,” continued Tedesco. “As a volunteer firefighter of nearly 50 years myself, I understand the importance of having experienced and passionate leaders in the fire service. Chief Russo and Battalion Chief Elenio embody exactly those values. Together, we will continue to ensure that our firefighters receive the greatest possible training and resources and that Bergen County’s emergency response network remains among the strongest in the nation.”

Following their swearings-in, Tedesco presented each official with a Certificate of Commendation, a County pin, and a County Executive Challenge Coin, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships between the County and its municipalities.

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