Grewal became the first Sikh county prosecutor in the state and the first of South Asian descent when he was sworn in as acting prosecutor last year
PARAMUS -- At Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal's official swearing-in Thursday his appointment was praised as a symbol of the state's commitment to diversity.
Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal was officially sworn in as Prosecutor in a ceremony Thursday at Bergen County Community College. Grewal became the first Sikh county prosecutor in the state and the first of South Asian descent when he was sworn-in as acting prosecutor last year.
Thursday's ceremony, which included the administration of the oath, was held at the Ciccone Theater at Bergen Community College and was attended by members of law enforcement, elected officials and Grewal's former boss, U.S. Attorney for the state of New Jersey, Paul J. Fishman.
"It comes at a time when the loyalty of immigrants is constantly under attack, when it has become more common to question out loud the patriotism and even the very presence of those who dress a certain way, or pray a certain way or speak a certain way...," Fishman said of Grewal's historic appointment. "Today we can say collectively in this room and around this county and state, that is not who we are."
Grewal worked as the former chief of the Economic Crimes Unit at the U.S. Attorney's Office under Fishman.
Grewal, of Glen Rock, was named acting prosecutor last January when former County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli retired from the job.
The 43-year-old was first nominated by Gov. Chris Christie to be prosecutor in 2013 but the senate did not approve his appointment. Christie nominated Grewal again in September and the legislature unanimously confirmed him in November.
At the ceremony, Grewal's three daughters stood on stage as they read the Pledge of Allegiance. His wife later joined him as he was sworn in by state Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
"I became a prosecutor first and foremost to give back to a country who has given me and my family so much. But along the way through my public service I also have tried to show others that while I and others like me may me look different or worship differently we love and are committed to this country," Grewal told the crowd.
Grewal thanked Christie, who was not in attendance, for his nomination and support in the role. In 2013, Christie heralded Grewal's experience as a federal prosecutor and his diverse background.
Speakers praised Grewal for his compassion, commitment and ability to work with various departments while also trying to tackle the ongoing heroin epidemic. In September, Grewal announced "Operation Helping Hand," which offered people arrested for drug abuse a choice of a five-day detox instead of jail.
"What this man did in one year is quite amazing," said State Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-36).
"We are one of the largest counties and a complex county, and this man was able to navigate through it," he added. "And he proved to us that he could not only handle the job but that he was going to excel at it."
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