2 Longtime Secaucus Police Officers Retire After 25 Years

SECAUCUS, NJ — On Thursday afternoon, Secaucus Police held a walkout ceremony to congratulate two longtime town police officers on their retirement: Lieutenant Mark Valentino and Police Officer Thomas Keegan, who was the school resource officer at Secaucus High School.

Both were born and raised in Secaucus. They are well known in town, and their walkout ceremony was attended by members of the Secaucus Police Department, town hall employees, members of the Council, and their families and Secaucus residents.

Each man served for 25 years with Secaucus Police, having joined when they were in their early 20s.

Both said they fundamentally changed because of their work in law enforcement.

"When you’re a cop, you see the world through a different lens," said Keegan in a speech that was both lighthearted and moving. "You see things you can never un-see. You hear and smell things you wish you could forget."

"You are given responsibilities that demand you grow up quickly," said Valentino of being a police officer. "You understand the profound impact you have on others. (The job) makes you appreciate the fragility of life."

Keegan said two pieces of advice served him well as a member of law enforcement: 1. Don't take yourself too seriously. And 2. The mark of someone's character is how they treat someone who can do nothing for them.

Here is a quick bio on each retiring officer:

Valentino joined Secaucus Police in 2000 after graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy. For the better part of two decades, he served on the front lines in the patrol division. In 2020, Valentino was promoted to sergeant, where he oversaw SPD's Property and Evidence, which Chief Dennis Miller said he dramatically re-organized.

"Valentino's potential wasn't seen under previous administrations," said Miller. "Then I put him in charge of property and evidence. He is one of the most OCD guys you will ever know. He overhauled property and evidence."

Valentino was involved in the tragic Dec. 1, 2019 domestic violence call at Harmon Cove that resulted in a man armed with a gun involved in a shoot-out with Secaucus Police, as bullets whizzed through the condo community and residents cowered inside their homes. The man, Anthony Rosso, 68, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"Valentino demonstrated true heroism" that day, said Miller. "His actions that day went far beyond the call of duty, earning him the Medal of Honor, the New Jersey State PBA Gold Valor Award and recognition from the Hudson County 200 Club."

He was also honored as Officer of the Year by the Knights of Columbus for his role in that incident.

Valentino also played a critical role in maintaining SPD's accreditation standards and was promoted to lieutenant in 2024.

Keegan attended Kean University, where he intended to study physical therapy. But in 2000, he joined the Secaucus Police Department. From 2000 to 2019, Keegan served with distinction in the Patrol Division where he earned two unit citation awards for his service. In 2019, he transitioned into the Juvenile Bureau, taking on the role of School Resource Officer, "where he’s made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and families, said Miller. "Both these men have made significant contributions to the community."

Keegan was a member and instructor of the Secaucus Police Department Motorcycle Squad, the Secaucus LEAD officer, a Field Training Officer and a skilled accident reconstructionist, said Miller.

In his speech, Valentino made a point to praise Miller for reconstructing the Secaucus Police Department.

"Miller has re-shaped the department. He leads not with ego, but with purpose," said Valentino. "The Secaucus Police Department is not just evolving, it’s thriving. Being a police officer ultimately made me a better person and more dedicated member of society."