The Jackson Township Police Department marked the retirement of two longtime members last week, honoring Police Sergeant Michael “Lil’ Mike” Grochowski and Police Lieutenant Fred Meabe during a walk-out ceremony held at Town Hall on Friday, January 2.
Surrounded by fellow officers, family, and friends, both men were recognized for decades of service to the department and the Jackson community.
Sergeant Michael Grochowski began his law enforcement career in 1992 as a corrections officer at the Hudson County Jail, later serving with the Federal Prison System and the New Jersey Department of Corrections. In 1998, he joined the Jackson Township Police Department as a full-time police officer. While attending the Ocean County Police Academy, Grochowski earned the High Overall Award, recognizing excellence in physical training, academics, and firearms.
Throughout his career with Jackson Police, Sgt. Grochowski served on all three patrol shifts and held multiple specialized roles, including Field Training Officer, Firearms Unit member, Physical Training Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Special Response Team member at both the township and county levels. He also assisted in search and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center following the September 11 attacks.
Promoted to Sergeant in 2018, Grochowski was widely respected not only for his professional service but also for his community involvement. Among many initiatives, he helped construct a wheelchair ramp for a disabled resident on his own time, donated his hair for cancer awareness, and played a major role in organizing toy drives and charitable events. He was a key organizer of the department’s involvement with the “Jake’s Got This” charity, supporting a local child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Sgt. Grochowski received numerous commendations throughout his career, including Officer of the Year awards in 2008 and 2012, PBA Member of the Year in 2016, Supervisor of the Year in 2018, and induction into the Jackson Alumni Hall of Fame.
Lieutenant Fred Meabe began his law enforcement career in 1996 as a Class II officer with Jackson Township before serving with the New Jersey Department of Corrections. He was hired as a full-time Jackson Township police officer in 2001 and served across all patrol shifts. His assignments included Field Training Officer, Special Response Team member, and service with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group, where he participated in numerous high-profile narcotics investigations.
Promoted to Sergeant in 2015, Meabe served as shift commander and held key leadership roles including Gang Intelligence Supervisor and Public Information Officer, where he expanded the department’s social media outreach. He also served for many years as Commander of the Jackson Police/PBA Honor Guard, overseeing its presence at parades, memorials, and official events.
In April 2024, Meabe was promoted to Lieutenant, where he commanded multiple platoons and played a central role in implementing the department’s ongoing uniform transition aimed at improving officer comfort and adaptability.
Lt. Meabe was also widely known for coordinating the Jackson PBA Pig Roast for a decade, helping turn it into a major annual community event. Over the course of his career, he received numerous commendations, including two Meritorious Police Service Ribbons, an Officer of the Year award, and a 200 Club award.
The Jackson Township Police Department extended its congratulations and best wishes to Sgt. Grochowski and Lt. Meabe and their families as they enter retirement, thanking them for their years of dedicated service to the township and its residents.
