Matawan police chief on his retirement ALYSSA PASSEGGIO, Senior Staff Writer, The Courier, May 1 Posted:05/02/08
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After a 25-year career with the Matawan Police Department, Chief Robert McGowan has decided to retire this summer.
McGowan said he grew up in the town and has always been a part of the “Matawan police family.” His father also served as chief of the department.
“As far as my earliest memories I have wanted to be a police officer here. I don’t think a lot of people get to live out their dreams, but I certainly have,” McGowan said.
McGowan said he entered the force in 1983 as a class two special officer and worked his way through the ranks to become chief during February 2006.
The chief expressed how proud he was of all the men and women in the department and characterized them as “a great bunch of people.”
Better now
Although he may not have accomplished all of his goals, McGowan said he is glad to leave the department better than it was before he started as chief.
The chief said he was proud of the mission statement on the police vehicles and the patch the officers wear every day. The markings read fairness, compassion and respect.
“The officers came up with the design shortly after I took over and they are really proud of it. It makes me feel good that they are proud to display it,” McGowan said.
McGowan noted the technological advances in the department under his leadership, such as each police vehicle being equipped with a laptop and a camera. A security camera system was also installed in the police department, he added.
The chief was also glad to be able to use the Internet to get information out to residents via the department’s Web site. “It gives people the opportunity to reach out with comments, suggestions or questions,” McGowan said.
Finally, McGowan said he hopes to add an electronic neighborhood watch as a page to the department’s Web site. The page would provide information about burglaries in the town, traffic safety alerts or other announcements from the police, he explained.
“I haven’t accomplished everything I set out to do but it is time to pass on the torch,” McGowan said.
Family time
McGowan explained that every day was memorable to him since every day was different. However, the chief said his fondest memory was the day his dad swore him into the department.
“I’ve been given a gift. I got to follow in my father’s footsteps and follow my dream. I never wanted to do anything else,” McGowan said.
The chief reflected on the positive times he had with his father and how he looked forward to forming a strong relationship with his 9-year-old daughter, Brianna.
McGowan currently lives with his daughter and wife, Debbie, in Upper Freehold Township on a small horse farm. He said he planned to retire young and do something different with his life. Now he hopes to spend time with his daughter and her career in horseback riding, McGowan explained.
“I am going to miss them though. I have a lot of fond memories and good friends from this department,” McGowan said. The chief explained that the force is like a big family.
Time for change
McGowan said he felt comfortable retiring and giving other officers the opportunity to lead the department.
“I have been blessed to lead what I think are the greatest men and women. They are educated, dedicated, good officers. Now I want to see some movement among them,” McGowan said.
The chief said it is time to bring in the young people to take the department to the next level. His leaving allows that change, he added.
Capt. James Alston will take over the chief position as of July 1, McGowan said. Alston has 35 years of experience with the department, he added.
“I have lived my dream and I don’t think I can ask for anything more than that in life. Now I know I am leaving the department in good hands,” McGowan concluded.
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