Police Sergeant Pete Smoke (pictured right) and Sergeant Steve Vigna of the Lakewood Police Department will be retiring, Police Chief Rob Lawson confirmed to TLS. Smoke and Vigna, both veteran officers of the department will be completing their 25 years of service to the department and follow in the footsteps of several of their senior and high-ranking colleagues who have retired in the recent years.
As their contracts expire, many officers chose not to renew them as the new pension reform guidlines would kick in and greatly affect their pensions.
“Unfortunately, this trend will continue”, Lawson says. “Their knowledge and experience will be sorely missed.”
But as the officers with that amount of experience retire, young officers have to be brought in.
“We’re going to have to replace these officers”, the Chief says.
Vigna, a Patrol Supervisor, was the first officer on scene when Chris Matlosz was murdered.
“These are images that will remain with him for the rest of his life”, Lawson said. Chief Lawson was also from the first on that scene.
Sergeant Pete Smoke, who was also a Patrol Supervisor, tells TLS that one of the most difficult scenes he responded to during his 25 year career, was the recent scene of the missing 2 year old girl found in a septic tank. Sergeant Smoke says the images of pulling out the young lifeless body is something which he won’t forget.
Sergeant Vigna is set to retire June 1st, and Sergeant Smoke is set to retire September 1st. TLS.
Smokey I remember the day you started and before that u were my mechanic. Best of Luck. Let us know when retirement ceremony will be.
Its a shame we’re losing 2 amazing Cops! You guys will be missed!!
Will there be anyone left soon?
Two great Officers and men. Good luck in your retirement
Bad news once again! Such a shame to lose such wonderful cops!
Enjoy and make the most of your retirement! You’ll be missed.
This is truly sad. Petey is such a nice guy. He’s friendly w/ a lot of ppl in town & he understands the unique needs of our town. They will both be sorely missed. DB
Yes we are losing to the best officers And we are going to miss them
Thank you for your service!
I wish these fine officers the best of luck and a peaceful retirement. I would just like to point out that retiring after 25 years of working is only possible when you work for the government. My father worked for NYC for 25 years and retired at the age of 52 with full pensions and benefits for life.
It’s great for him and us but not so great for the taxpayers. It’s not a local issue and these small changes are slight but they are needed in the long run. Unfortunately we will lose very dedicated and talented officers but it’s not financially feasible to keep on the old path.
Thank you Pete and Steve for your service.
they are to cops how are going to be missed
Mr Smoke and Mr Vignathe news is very sad for the lakewood family. We as part of your family, we will miss you. Every time i hear it, i hope its not true. BUT we thank both of you for always being there for us, at our time of need, as well at our happy times. House isnt moving and hoping to go fishing with you pete and finally getting my “fishing legs” as u call it. Let the party begin!!!!! Blue7 Baby…
Congratz Pete and Steve< 1500 hrs. coffee at the usual spot is on me, good luck to you both
LPD without Pete Smoke? Hard to visualize.
Thanks Petey, we love you.
Signed,
EVERYBODY!
Best Wishes to you both and THANK YOU for helping to keep our families safe! We will miss you both. Enjoy!
When will Lakewood be hiring more Police officers? We need more!
Petie, we are gona miss you! You gota come back to the alley way near Kings Pharm. once in a while at dusk. I never saw you lose your cool even once! Whata Guy!
Good Luck & Best Wishes!
You ill be missed though I already miss you as you changed shifts on me. Come and visit at the Wa once and awhile. Thanks for your service and always being therewhen we needed you.
they will sorely be missed. thanks guys for your years of service and dedication to our town
15. I agree, we need more cops our department is starting to strech so bad that its about to snap. I feel we should hire very soon.
to officer smoke you rock you always had a greeting smile and a good word for your fellow man your a real good guy