James E. Ryan Becomes Seventh Police Chief in South Brunswick Police Department History
James E. Ryan has become the seventh Police Chief in the 90-year history of the South Brunswick Police Department today.
Chief Ryan is a 31-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department and brings a lifetime of law enforcement experience, leadership, and community service to his new role. He has served as Deputy Chief for the past eight years, overseeing the daily operations of the department.
Ryan is the first chief in department history to have served in every rank of the South Brunswick Police Department. His career has included assignments as a patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief.
“I am truly blessed to have raised my family in this great community and now have the opportunity to become its police chief,” said Chief James E. Ryan. “This community has given me so much throughout my career and throughout my life. To now have the opportunity to give back as chief is an incredible honor. I am grateful to the residents of South Brunswick, and I am committed to making our department the very best it can be for the people we serve.”
Chief Ryan also expressed his appreciation to the Township's leadership. “I want to thank Mayor Charlie Carley, the Township Council, and Township Manager Bryan Bidlack for selecting me as the seventh chief in our department's history. Their support and encouragement are key to the success of our police department, and I am grateful for the confidence they have placed in me,” Ryan said.
Ryan holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Kean University and a Master’s Degree from New Jersey City University. He has served as an adjunct professor at Middlesex College for 20 years. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy.
His commitment to service extends well beyond his career in law enforcement. Ryan has served on the boards of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, South Brunswick Education Foundation, Catholic Charities, NJ State PBA Survivor and Welfare, and Woman Aware. He coached youth soccer and basketball in South Brunswick for more than 10 years.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Ryan headed the South Brunswick 9/11 Relief Fund, helping assist local families. After Hurricane Katrina, he coordinated disaster relief efforts between South Brunswick and D’Iberville, Mississippi. Following Hurricane Sandy, Catholic Charities appointed him to oversee disaster relief efforts throughout Middlesex County.
Ryan has also served as a delegate to the New Jersey State PBA. In 2008, he received the PBA Member of the Year Award for creating the NJ Cop Shot reward program and expanding community outreach.
His expertise in communication and community engagement has also made him a sought-after instructor and lecturer. He currently serves as an instructor for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police on communication and community engagement. He has lectured on law enforcement topics at Fordham Law School, Seton Hall Law School, and Rutgers University School of Communication.
“Chief Ryan brings three decades of law enforcement experience, strong community engagement, a history of leadership in multiple roles, and a demonstrated ability to work with others,” said Mayor Charlie Carley. “His commitment to service and to the South Brunswick community made him an excellent choice to lead our Police Department. We are fortunate to have someone with his experience, leadership, and dedication taking on this important role.”
For Ryan, becoming police chief represents both a professional achievement and a deeply personal milestone. He and his wife, Kim, raised their four children in South Brunswick and have been members of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church for more than 25 years.
“South Brunswick is not simply the community where I have worked for 31 years—it is the community where Kim and I raised our children, built friendships, served our neighbors, and created a lifetime of memories,” Ryan said. “I have always believed that being a police officer is about service. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue that service as Police Chief.”
