On the eve of a special Democratic convention, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today released the following joint-statement announcing their endorsement of Anthony Cureton for Bergen County Sheriff:

“The residents of Bergen County deserve an experienced, law enforcement leader who has the capacity to bring people together, while restoring professionalism and dignity to the sheriff’s office. That person is undoubtedly Anthony Cureton–a man who has served and protected his community for nearly three decades.

“Besides being an accomplished law enforcement professional with the skills and expertise to run the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, Anthony is a widely respected, solutions-oriented civic and community leader who is dedicated to improving people’s lives and ensuring their public safety. He’s thoughtful and pragmatic and exhibits both passion for the job and compassion for the residents he serves. Anthony also has the opportunity to make history as Bergen County’s first African-American Sheriff. It’s clear that Anthony Cureton is the right man for the job, and will continue to serve Bergen County with honor and integrity.”

Cureton joined the Bergen County Sheriffs Dept., where he is currently the director of inmate social services and education, after 25 years as a police officer and detective in Englewood. He has taught Race, Crime, and Justice, Criminology, Social Issues, and Public Administration as an adjunct professor at both Ramapo College and Fairleigh Dickinson University, and has guest lectured at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Cureton is active in the community, and is currently the president of the Bergen County NAACP Branch.

At Tuesday evening’s special convention, he is looking to defeat Robert Kugler, the police chief of Saddle River.