Former Wyckoff Police Sgt. Passes Away At 61

WYCKOFF, NJ - The community is mourning the loss of a longtime Wyckoff police officer who passed away last week.

Gary R. Joachim died Feb. 5 at the age of 61 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., leaving behind his wife, Jane, two children, two dogs and two siblings, according to his obituary. He is also survived by his mother-in-law and several extended family members.

Joachim worked as a police officer in Wyckoff for 25 years, retiring in 2006 at the rank of sergeant. He was also a member of the Wyckoff Fire Department and Wyckoff Lions Club. After moving to Myrtle Beach, he worked for Avis/Budget at Myrtle Beach Airport.

In recent days, several people who knew Joachim have recalled memories they have of him.

Former Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox wrote, "I was terribly saddened to learn of Gary’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him in his years with the Wyckoff Police. Gary was truly a down to earth guy. He liked to laugh and have fun, respected people, was committed to law enforcement and he and I have always shared strong conservative points of view. In my conversations with him following his retirement, he often spoke of his family and his grandchildren. Family became his passion during his retirement and he was proud of you all. Unquestionably he will be missed dearly by his family and close friends."

Tony Caselnova posted a tribute online, saying, “He was very kind to me as a rookie firefighter and we was a rookie policeman at the time.”

Shannon Weaver wrote, “I worked with this amazing Gentle Giant at Avis/Budget for a few years and he will truly be missed around the office.

Joachim’s family will receive friends on Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave. in Wyckoff.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Wyckoff PBA Local 261, P.O. Box 13, Wyckoff, NJ, 07481 or Wyckoff Fire Company #2, 180 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ, 07481.