Chief Leonard Guida of the Bradley Beach Police Department is set to retire this Friday, months ahead of schedule, bringing a controversial chapter to a close following the public release of bodycam footage showing a heated altercation with one of his sergeants. The incident, which occurred in November and involved an apparently intoxicated Guida, has led to widespread criticism and an official investigation, ultimately culminating in his early departure.
The controversy erupted after local news outlet TAPinto released bodycam footage of the November 9th incident. The video depicted Chief Guida approaching a drunk driving accident scene in Bradley Beach. Appearing unsteady and slurring his words, Guida engaged in a confrontation with Sergeant William Major, one of his own officers present at the scene. The footage quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and prompting scrutiny of Guida’s conduct.
[ ](Alt text: Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida in uniform, facing forward.)
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the events of that night, leading to Chief Guida’s suspension from his $202,000-per-year position. Mayor Larry Fox confirmed Guida’s expedited retirement in a statement released on Monday, stating, “[The prosecutor’s] report is complete, and actions have been taken based upon the recommendations from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.” Fox also acknowledged Guida’s long tenure, adding, “I’d like to thank Chief Guida for his 40+ years of service to our borough. Under his leadership, our community has become a much safer place to live.”
However, this sentiment is not universally shared. The bodycam footage reveals a heated exchange initiated by Chief Guida questioning Sgt. Major about his jacket. “Why you got a jacket on that’s not fit to be worn?” Guida is heard saying. “Get rid of it. That’s ridiculous. You’re a sergeant, for God’s sake.”
The situation escalated when Guida followed Sgt. Major and attempted to grab his arm after the sergeant initially walked away. Sgt. Major reacted strongly, as captured on video, grabbing Chief Guida by the lapels and pushing him onto the hood of a police vehicle. “Don’t you touch me!” Major exclaimed. “Don’t you f–king touch me! You have a problem? You grabbed me! Now get out of here, before you get a problem.” Sgt. Major then helped Chief Guida off the car hood, audibly muttering that his superior was “drunk again.”
[ ](Alt text: Close-up of Chief Leonard Guida, looking serious, in police uniform.)
Despite appearing visibly impaired, Chief Guida attempted to suspend Sgt. Major at the scene. However, it was Guida who was ultimately suspended pending the investigation. Sgt. Major has since been reinstated and returned to active duty.
Public outcry against Chief Guida’s behavior was significant. A local resident, Beth Keppler, initiated an online petition demanding Chief Guida’s termination. The petition, which garnered considerable support, stated, “We believe that his continued presence in this position is detrimental to our police force, our community’s well-being and our trust in law enforcement.” Keppler also criticized Mayor Fox and the town administration for a perceived lack of transparency in handling the situation.
[ ](Alt text: Chief Leonard Guida gesturing with his hands during the bodycam incident.)
Adding to the controversy, several Bradley Beach council members voiced concerns that Mayor Fox had excluded them from discussions and decisions regarding Chief Guida’s future. Council President Jane DeNoble stated that the council’s requests to review the prosecutor’s report were ignored, alleging that Mayor Fox had taken unilateral control of the situation.
Chief Leonard Guida’s early retirement marks the end of his 40-year career with the Bradley Beach Police Department, a career that concluded under a cloud of public scandal and questions surrounding leadership and accountability within the force. The incident and its aftermath have raised significant issues regarding police conduct and transparency in the Bradley Beach community.
