PHOTOS & VIDEO: Yesterday was another sad day for the Lakewood Police Department, as the men and women of the department said goodbye to Detective Sergeant John Stillwell, who retired yesterday afternoon. He was a 33 year veteran Police Officer, with 27 years of that, with the LPD. Stillwell, 55, has a long list of accomplishments to take along with him in his retirement years, including being a former Fire Chief, a former President of the PBA, President of the SOA, head of the LPD’s Street Crimes Units as well as many other accomplishments.
“He was well respected by his fellow officers”, a senior official in the department says of Stillwell.
Stillwell however, wasn’t excited about leaving at such an early age, and delivered an emotional goodbye speech.
“It breaks my heart to leave here today”, Sgt. Stillwell said in his opening remarks.”I leave here today for one reason, that’s Governor Chris Christie”, Stillwell said.
At the ceremony, Stillwell was honored with a plaque by the PBA, as well as a unique presentation by the FBI, with whom he closely worked over the years as Detective.
Stillwell – promoted to Sergeant in 2006 – is the third high profile retirement in the department just in the last week, following Sgt. Larry Patterson and Captain Michael Mooney.
The event was attended by family and friends as well as by many off-duty police officers.
john you were a great officer..i like the cristie joke !
Congrats Det. Sgt.
will be sorely missed.
Great guy, great family I hope you stay in Lakewood.
Comment removed.
To enough, it’s people and attitudes like yours that do turn a career in law enforcement into just a “job”. That’s the attitude you give to these fine men and women then that’s what you are going to get back. Congrats on your retirement Detective Sgt. Stillwell and good luck.
enough- I hope when you retire no one cares. Get a life.
This is sickening already. People are forced to retire with so many healthy strong years left to their lives hopefully. We salute you, Sgt. Stillwell. Thank you for your service to the Lakewood community. Let’s hope these retirements stop already! In such a bad economy we need MORE officers not less! People are unfortunately desperate for money…and some will inevitably turn to violence and thievery to get it.
With how many occupations besides police and firefighters are you putting your life on the line everyday. For example, the Chicago firefighters yesterday. If you put your life on the line for someone else, that in itself makes you a hero. i.e. the military.
its a shame they have to do this but the unions have to understand they can not get everything on the taxpayers backs why we all have to make cut backs just to live my health insurance is going up $200 a month and i have to pay for it they keep on geting the same big fat bucks
i guess if i dont belong to chaveirim, hatzalah, lpd, or ems i cant post on this site.
I don’t think there are any officers coming in the near future as Chief Lawson said a while ago “there is just no money in the budget for it”
STOP BLAMING the Unions already they are not the reason for this , the changes that the new Gov made is responsible for the exodus of vetern officers PERIOD…………….
Don’t you think serving 33years he is entitled to retire for those making comments about his leaving?
I think we are missing the point here. Just thank the man for ALL the years of service, and he will be missed. I hope he enjoys retirement and time with his family because Lakewood will miss him and his dedication.
He even apologized for not being able to solve the most recent shooting. That shows a great amount to his dedication and servitude. To “enough” the majority of the people posting on this site are not from any of the groups you mentioned. One of the rules for posting is that you keep your comments civil and talking bad about a 33 year veteran and the job that he did will not get you far.
Chief best wishes in retirement.
Bob # 3
john, we will miss you
xoxo, nick & andy
to: enough
TLS it doing a nice thing by posting Stillwell’s retirement. They are giving us a chance to say good bye to a fine officer. If you don’t want to say good bye, then just go on to the next article don’t be a jerk. Have a great retirement John, see you around.