Longtime West Caldwell Cop Retires, New Officer Joins Force

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — The West Caldwell Police Department recently bid a fond farewell to a retiring sergeant – and welcomed a new officer to the force.

On Sunday, the WCPD announced the retirement of Sgt. Michael Orr, effective Jan. 1. It will mark 25 years of service with the township.

“Sergeant Orr’s career reflects unwavering dedication, selfless service, and a deep commitment to protecting others,” the department said.

West Caldwell police shared some highlights from Orr’s career:

“Sergeant Orr began his career with the West Caldwell Police Department on January 1, 2001. After graduating from the Morris County Police Academy 57th Basic Police Class, he was assigned to the Patrol Division. In 2011, he was selected to serve as a Detective in the Detective Bureau before returning to Patrol in 2013. His leadership led to his appointment as Corporal in 2015 and his promotion to Sergeant on November 22, 2016, a role he proudly held for the remainder of his career.

“In addition to his service to West Caldwell, Sergeant Orr honorably served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, his unit was activated. In 2002, he trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was deployed to Iraq for a combat tour in 2003. He returned home in October 2003 and resumed his duties with the West Caldwell Police Department, continuing his commitment to service at home and abroad.

“Throughout his career, Sergeant Orr distinguished himself through courage, skill, and leadership. In 2010, he was awarded the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Statewide Outstanding EMS Call Award for life-saving actions taken during the response to a critically wounded off-duty police officer. He has been a valued member of the Emergency Services Unit and has supervised the unit since 2017. Sergeant Orr has also served as a Field Training Officer and currently oversees the department’s firearms and active shooter programs, shaping and safeguarding the future of the department through training and preparedness.”

NEW OFFICER SWORN IN

Meanwhile, the WCPD recently welcomed a new officer to the force: Emma Carriker.

According to the WCPD, Carriker previously served as a dispatcher with the West Caldwell Police Department starting in January 2023. Prior to dispatching, Carriker graduated from James Caldwell High School. She then went on to continue her education at William Paterson University where she is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. She joined the West Essex First Aid Squad in 2020, and has served as a crew chief.

Carriker, a graduate of the Essex County Police Academy Class 25-2, was sworn in as an officer at the town council meeting on Dec. 16.

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