'Honor Of My Life': Police Chief To Retire After 30 Years As A Gloucester Twp. Officer

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — After 30 years as a Gloucester Township police officer, including six at the helm, Police Chief David Harkins is retiring.

Harkins will retire at the end of the month, making the announcement after several officers were promoted and sworn in during Wednesday's Township Council meeting.

"It’s been the honor of my life to be a Gloucester Township police officer," Harkins said.

A Gloucester Township native, Harkins became a Gloucester Township police officer in 1995. After starting as a patrol officer, he continued rising through the ranks and became the township's deputy police chief in 2010.

Harkins was promoted to chief in 2019, succeeding Harry Earle to lead law enforcement in one of South Jersey's largest municipalities.

Local officials haven't announced a successor yet. However, the Gloucester Township Police Department bolstered its ranks on Tuesday, promoting three officers and swearing in six new officers and a K-9.

Several local officials praised Harkins and the police department at the meeting.

Council Member Helen Albright Troxell lauded local police for giving her "comfort" as a senior citizen with a disability.

"I can go anywhere in this town and know I’ll be safe," she said. "That is so important when you’re older."

The next Township Council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 27.