Auxiliary Police Captain Retires After 58 Years Of Service To Metuchen

METUCHEN, NJ – As the Borough brought in the New Year, a member of Metuchen’s Auxiliary Police closed a chapter on his long and illustrious career.

Metuchen bid a bittersweet goodbye to Auxiliary Police Captain Richard Dana, after he retired from the Metuchen Auxiliary Police after 58 years of service to the community.

Dana's journey with the Metuchen Auxiliary Police began in 1967 as an officer. He then advanced to sergeant in 1978, followed by lieutenant in 1981 and ultimately achieved the rank of captain in 1992.

“Along the way, Captain Dana has been a steady and reliable presence, earning the respect of his colleagues and the trust of our community,” Metuchen Auxiliary Police said in a message.

“Captain Dana has played a crucial role in the success of numerous special details in Metuchen, from funeral escorts to overseeing the countless fairs, arts and crafts events, runs/walks and holiday parades. His leadership and attention to detail ensured that each operation ran smoothly and safely.”

Over the span of his career, Dana has been instrumental in mentoring new auxiliary officers, offering guidance, wisdom, and support as they began their careers.

“His dedication to training and developing future leaders has left a lasting impact on the Auxiliary. He earned respect among colleagues from the Auxiliary Police, Metuchen Police Department, community members, and local leaders speaks volumes about the integrity, professionalism, and compassion he brought to every aspect of his service," Metuchen Auxiliary Police said. "Captain Dana's contributions will be remembered for years to come.”

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