Roselle’s police chief has been fired by the borough, 10 months after he was relieved of duty after accusations he made graphic homophobic remarks to his officers.
An attorney for Chief Stacey Williams called the termination “despicable” on Wednesday, saying his client was notified last week and has already filed an appeal with the Civil Service Commission challenging the decision. Borough Council is slated to ratify the firing Wednesday night under a resolution on the agenda for its monthly workshop meeting.
Williams, a 31-year veteran of the police force, was suspended in August, with a lawyer for the local Policemen’s Benevolent Association, the union representing rank-and-file officers, saying he was accused of “reprehensible conduct” that included “homophobic terminology.”
In firing Williams, the borough concluded he used “derogatory and offensive language” toward a subordinate officer in front of other employees, according to its notice of disciplinary action, which cites an internal affairs investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Williams’ ouster follows a series of disputes last year between him and the police union, which complained of “abusive, retaliatory, and bizarre behavior” by the chief. The disciplinary charges also upheld other allegations raised by the union, finding Williams forced officers to work unnecessary overtime while also abruptly canceling off-duty road details — a lucrative way for cops to earn extra money by working for contractors at construction projects or special events.
The sustained charges included conduct unbecoming a public employee, neglect of duty, discrimination, insubordination and other policy violations. The specific remarks made by Williams have not been publicly revealed, though the union has said they included the “f-word” slur against gay men.
Williams has denied wrongdoing and, in May, threatened to sue the borough, claiming he was targeted by Mayor Donald Shaw and other township officials because he rebuffed their attempts to interfere in the police department.
Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw was accused of meddling in the police department's work by embattled Chief Stacey Williams. The borough has fired Williams after accusations that he used homophobic slurs toward his officers. (Courtesy photo/Roselle Borough)Courtesy of Roselle Borough
Patrick Toscano, Williams’ attorney, has described the alleged homophobic comments as “harmless” and “entirely jocular in nature,” saying they were directed toward a friend on the job who did not take offense.
“The illegitimate termination of Roselle Chief of Police Stacey Williams is, for want of a better word, despicable,” Toscano said in a statement Wednesday. “Roselle has illegally terminated the chief for nothing other than bigoted/political reasons, and this is a man whose reputation for decades in law enforcement is nothing other than pristine and first rate.”
Toscano said he expects the firing will be reversed at appeal, “leaving the residents of Roselle with yet another substantial financial responsibility involving back-pay, defense costs and separate statutory attorney fees.”
Artie Smallwood, a spokesman for Roselle, said Wednesday that the borough had no comment.
Peter Paris, the attorney for the police union, also declined comment.
Williams was appointed chief in 2021 following the retirement of Brian K. Barnes. Pension records show he earned an annual salary of $210,800, though he had been suspended without pay.
Acting Police Chief Helder Freire, a captain and the highest ranking officer in the department, has covered Willaims’ duties.
Stories by Riley Yates
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Riley Yates may be reached at [email protected].