Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III attended council reorganization ceremonies in Ridgefield and Oradell on January 5, 2026. During the events, Tedesco congratulated Joanna Congalton-Hali and Christopher J. Martucci on their re-election and election to the Ridgefield Borough Council. In Oradell, he welcomed newly elected council members Margaret L. Harrer and David Mitchell Bandfield as they began their terms.
“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 addition to the council ceremonies in Ridgefield, Tedesco swore in Scott Russo as Fire Chief and Frank Elenio as Battalion Chief for the Borough of Ridgefield. Chief Russo previously served as Deputy Fire Chief at the Bergen County Fire Academy and spent nine years as a fire instructor at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute.
“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.”
After administering oaths, Tedesco presented each official with a Certificate of Commendation, a county pin, and a County Executive Challenge Coin to emphasize collaboration between county government and local municipalities.
