Garwood Names Lt. Bruce Underhill As New Police Chief

Garwood Council announced that Garwood Police Lieutenant Bruce Underhill will replace retiring Chief William Legg at last night's council meeting. Legg retires at the end of June and Underhill will be sworn in at council's June 28 meeting. 

“I’m thrilled," said Underhill. "It’s a big responsibility. Chief Legg has been a staple for the department for years, and I can't say enough good things about him. I hope to fill his shoes.”

Underhill, a 25-year member of the Garwood PD, joined the department in 1986 as a special officer and was hired as a full-time officer in 1987. Underhill has served six years as a lieutenant assigned to patrol and was recently transferred to the detective bureau to cover for Captain Leonard DiStefano who retired in January. Prior to lieutenant, Underhill served five years as a sergeant assigned to patrol. 

Mayor Patricia Quattrocchi and councilmembers Timothy Hak and Louis Petruzzelli were on the committee to choose Legg's replacement. Also considered for the position was Lieutenant James Pipala.

"It was a difficult decision," said Hak. "Both lieutenants are very qualified and we'd be proud to have either serve as chief." 

Lieutenant Underhill is a highly decorated member of the force, having served with the Essex Union Auto Theft Task Force where he received two unit citations. Underhill holds a degree in Criminal Justice and has completed supervisory courses with Van Metter Associates and Penn State. He is also a firearms instructor and taught at the John H. Stamler Police Academy.