Morristown Mourns Sudden Death Of Retired PBA Local 43 Member

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown PBA Local 43 members mourn the death of a retired member, Al Reed, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 26. He was 78 years old.

Reed served in the Morristown Police Department for many years, joining the force in 1972 as a special police officer. He was born to Bertha Mae and Arlin Williams on March 23, 1944, in Hot Springs Arkansas, according to his obituary.

Reed served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1967 before becoming a Morristown Police Officer. He worked as a paramedic in Torrance, CA, in the emergency room at St. Elizabeth's in Elizabeth, and then at the Docks in Port Elizabeth.

In 1983 Reed was elected as Morristown Police Department PBA Delegate and later served as the 1st Vice President of the New Jersey State PBA, the MPD said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Throughout his time in service, Reed delivered 16 babies and was assigned details to guard: Mrs. Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Charlie Anderson, Governor Kean, Vice President Bush, Bishop Tutu, Meatloaf, The Police, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Dickie Betts Band and Bruce Springsteen.

In 1997, Reed was given the honor of "Citizen of the Year" by the Morristown Rotary Club.

According to his obituary, Reed was predeceased by his parents and his sister Julia. He is survived by his wife, Kathy and his daughters Lisa Mezik, Aimee, Shelby. His sister Adda and brothers Joe and John.

Reed will be remembered with two memorial services. The wake will be held on July 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Doyle funeral home on Maple Avenue in Morristown. On July 7, a Mass will be held at Assumption Church, followed by military service on Maple Avenue.

"His gigantic personality will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace, Al. Until we meet again," the MPD said.