The Woodcliff Lake Republican Club held its annual Lincoln Award Ceremony Brunch on Sunday, March 23, 2003 at Seasons Restaurant in Washinton Township. The award was presented to one of the most prominent Republicans in Bergen County, Sheriff Joel G. Trella.
Joel G. Trella was sworn into office as Sheriff of Bergen County on January 1, 2002. The Sheriff’s duties include leading and managing a staff of 460 sworn and civilian personnel, with budget responsibilities of approximately $38 million. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for the operation of the county jail, courthouse security, and the bureau of criminal investigation, the serving process, writs and court orders.
Joel has served the people of Bergen County through his law enforcement career and as a Saddle Brook Councilman. He served as the Director of the Bergen County Office of Highway Safety, and as the Chief of the Bergen County Police Department. He was inducted into the Bergen Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 1997.
Sheriff Trella’s past and present affiliations include the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, F.B.I. National Academy Associates, New Jersey State Sheriff’s Association, National Sheriff’s Association, Bergen Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Bergen County Police Academy Training & Advisory Board, Bergen County Human Relations Commission and Bergen County Youth Services Commission.
Sheriff Trella was honorably discharged from the United States Navy after serving from 1964 to 1967. He resides in Saddle Brook, New Jersey with his wife of 34 years, Barbara. They have two grown children.
