By Jerry DeMarco

Cliffview Pilot

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Michael Feeney, a popular Ridgewood Police “Chief for the Day” who became an honorary chief for life, lost his battle with cancer Friday. He was 10 years old.

A full police funeral is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Ridgewood. School district officials have also made arrangements for attendance by students and staff at the wake and funeral.

Michael Feeney, 10, during his 'Chief for a Day' experience. Feeney, who later became an honorary chief for life, passed away Friday after a long battle with cancer. (Photo courtesy Ridgewood PD)

Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward, in conjunction with Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein, told CLIFFVIEW PILOT today that the village’s first-ever Community Policing Youth Ambassador Program will be named for Michael.

Being promoted to honorary chief meant the world to Michael, according to his family.

Ward had given the fun-loving fifth-grader his own badge for the special “Chief for a Day” event sponsored by Bergen County Sheriff Michaul Saudino in June.

But Michael gave it back, telling the chief in serious tones that he needed it.

Full Story: Police funeral for Ridgewood honorary chief Michael Feeney, 10