Former Westfield Deputy Police Chief Dies At Age 78

WESTFIELD, NJ — Deputy Chief Owen M. McCabe died at the age of 78 on Sunday, Feb. 5, according to an announcement from the Westfield Police Department.

McCabe was appointed to the Westfield Police Department on May 30, 1971 and retired after 26 years of service on May 31, 1997.

The former Chief was born in Newark and raised in South Orange, graduating from Essex Catholic High School in 1962, according to his obituary.

He also served in the US Coast Guard from 1965 to 1970.

McCabe was first hired as a Patrolman for the Westfield Police Department. He then graduated from the New Jersey State Police Municipal Academy and earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Union College.

Over his more than 26 plus year career, he served in a variety of roles, such as as Detective Second Grade, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Captain and retired as Deputy Chief.

Throughout his career, he was awarded several commendations including Medal of Valor and Medal of Merit. He received the 200 Club Valor Award in 1982 for his heroic actions on Nov. 4, 1981 when he responded to a home where three residents were being held hostage at gunpoint.

"Deputy Chief McCabe aided in freeing those hostages by forcibly entering the residence and confining the armed assailant to the basement, where he was eventually rushed and seized," Westfield Police stated. "His professional and outstanding actions were crucial to the successful conclusion of the incident without any injuries to those involved."

He also worked closely with the residents of Westfield as the Coordinator for the Neighborhood Watch Program and Safety Enhancement Program. In addition, he served as former President of the Westfield Police Athletic League and former secretary of the Westfield Local No. 90 of the Policemen’s Benevolent Association.

After retirement from the Westfield Police Department, Owen worked a decade at the Connell Company in security.

"Deputy Chief McCabe always carried an excellent reputation as a Police Officer," Westfield Police stated."

In recognizing his retirement in 1997, former Westfield Mayor Allen Chin stated, "you always set a shining example of how our Police Department has rated an excellent reputation. You have always performed your duties in a professional and courteous manner, and you brought much credit to the Westfield Police Department and the entire Town of Westfield. All Westfield residents owe you a great deal of thanks and appreciation for your many years of hard and dedicated work. Westfield is losing a great asset, and you will be sorely missed."

McCabe is survived by his wife, Judie; daughter Colleen and husband Jeff O’Hearn; granddaughter, Emmy; sisters Angel and husband George Germann, Patricia and husband Mike Barrett, Mary and husband Bob Manning; and numerous cousins. McCabe was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Jim.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 10 from 4-7pm at the Rossi Funeral Home at 1937 Westfield Avenue in Scotch Plains.

A Funeral Mass will celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Scotch Plains at 10:00 AM. Private burial will follow for immediate family.

You can read the entire obituary here.