Longtime Long Valley Cop Retires After 2 Decades Of Service

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A longtime sergeant in the Washington Township Police Department recently got a fond retirement send-off from his peers, family and friends at a “walkout” ceremony.

Sgt. James Burns received a proper farewell at a ceremony held at police headquarters earlier this month. Burns has served his community as a member of law enforcement for more than 20 years.

"Sgt. Burns presence will be missed as he made a lasting impact on the community and the department. Well done, Sgt. Burns on a remarkable career and best wishes on your next adventure," police said.

Burns began his career in 1999 as a NJ State Park Ranger before joining the Washington Township Police Department in the summer of 2001, officials said.

Throughout his career, Sgt. Burns held various roles, including EMT & CPR Coordinator, member of the Morris & Hunterdon Crash Team, Rapid Deployment Team, Traffic Unit, and, most recently, as the School Resource Officer at Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School.

"We thank Sgt. Burns for keeping us safe and wish him well on the next chapter in his life," said administrators at Flocktown-Kossmann after Burns' final walk-through of the school.

Here are more photos from the celebration: