Sheriff Darrin Russo is in his second term serving as the Somerset County Sheriff. A Somerset County resident since 1989; Sheriff Russo resides in Franklin Township with his wife Denise. The proud father of five boys and one granddaughter, Sheriff Russo is a strong proponent of family. His motto of “Every Badge has a Family” shows his dedication to the families of law enforcement.
Sheriff Russo retired as a Lieutenant from the Franklin Township Police Department where he served with pride for more than 30 years. During his service in Franklin Township, Russo worked with county, state and federal agencies on many high-profile investigations. Russo oversaw some of the largest mobilization of officers in Somerset County to combat gang activity, violent crimes and robberies. Russo managed a staff of 16 officers, four sergeants and multiple police units that served the citizens of Franklin Township with integrity and honor. Sheriff Russo has received numerous citations and distinctions and is a two-time recipient of the Somerset County 200 Club Award.
Immediately upon taking Office, Sheriff Russo conducted an assessment of the functions of the agency to better manage resources and serve the community. Sheriff Russo expanded the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit throughout the region to combat drugs and keep the community safe. Sheriff Russo created a Community Outreach unit to build bridges with the various communities within Somerset County. Sheriff Russo also formed a Sheriff’s Chaplain Program to help build relationships with the community in times of crisis and to serve law enforcement. Sheriff Russo has worked diligently to create a department that is highly trained, educated and diverse. Sheriff Russo has built strategic partnerships with federal and state law enforcement agencies as well as the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office to help reduce crime and increase public safety.
Last year Sheriff Russo transitioned the Somerset County Jail into a “detention hub” due to declining incarceration trends after careful research and planning. With the Somerset County Commissioners, Russo saved millions of taxpayer dollars by creating a shared service with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to house prisoners. This was done with zero layoffs and by realigning personnel to other critical law enforcement services.
Sheriff Russo enjoys working to support many charities and organizations throughout Somerset County. He is passionate about volunteering to assist Special Olympics NJ athletes and helping to support local food banks. Russo enjoys cooking for the families of sick children at Ronald McDonald House. Russo also served as a Grand Marshal for the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey where he proudly has been a member for years.
Although Sheriff Russo is known as an innovative strong leader, he prides himself as proudly being a “cop”. His dedication, integrity, tenacity and kindness makes him one of New Jersey’s most admired law enforcement executives.
