01/08/2026
Chief Battavio and the members of the Bridgeton Police Department mourn the loss of retired Chief John Bondi, Sr.
Chief Bondi graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1964 and was hired with the Bridgeton Police Department on August 27, 1968. He graduated from the Sea Girt Municipal Police Academy on December 13, 1968. Chief Bondi was assigned to the patrol division upon graduation and was promoted to Sergeant on December 10, 1972. Chief Bondi was then promoted to Lieutenant on July 19, 1979 where he was assigned as the Uniform Division Commander and then as the Criminal Investigation Division Commander until his promotion to Police Chief on January 1, 1987.
Chief Bondi attended numerous advanced training courses throughout his career, eventually attending the 139th Session of the FBI National Academy in 1984. He was a member of the FBI National Academy Associates and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and was the consummate professional. He received numerous awards and letters of commendation throughout his career for his hard work and dedication to the citizens of Bridgeton.
Chief Bondi retired as Chief of Police from the Bridgeton Police Department on June 30, 1998.
Chief Bondi returned to the department in 2008 and worked in the Bridgeton Municipal Court until 2024.
Chief Battavio said “He dedicated his life to the City of Bridgeton. Chief Bondi touched the lives of many of the officers because he remained here and loved this department and really, policing in general. I would have countless discussions with him over my career about policing now and policing back then. He became a friend and someone I definitely looked up to. I am glad that our newer officers over the years were able to meet him, talk to him and listen to the stories from all the years that he served here.”
All the members of the Bridgeton Police Department wish to extend our condolences to Chief Bondi’s wife Michelle, his children John Jr. and Missy, and his entire family.
Chief Bondi will be missed by us all.