Basking Ridge Police Honor 1st Female Officer's Retirement: Video

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township Police honored its first female officer Gina Loschiavo's retirement on Tuesday with a "walk-out" ceremony.

"You have been an absolute pleasure just in the way that you have conducted yourself in your job professionally with such a compassionate and caring attitude towards all of residents and neighbors. thank you so much for your service you will be sorely missed," Basking Ridge Mayor James Baldassare Jr. said at the ceremony.

Loschiavo initially began her career working as an intern with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office before landing her first job in Branchburg Police for three years. Former Bernards Township Police Chief Tom Kelly then helped to bring Loschiavo over to Basking Ridge as the first woman on the force. She served in Bernards Township for 22 years.

During Loschiavo's speech she reminisced about starting her career by handwriting reports with whiteout and driving an "old boat" as her first patrol car — which required her to sit on two phone books and use a back cushion just to see over the steering wheel.

"My career has been a wonderful journey of me growing up, not only in my personal life, but in my blue family as well. I've experience a lot of great memories ups and downs. Scary moments and some really cool moments. I mean what could be cooler than driving safe and fast in a police car with lights and sirens blaring and everyone gets out of your way?" Loschiavo said during her speech.

Loschiavo most currently served as the School Resource Officer at William Annin Middle School — where students affectionately called her "G-Lo".

Committeewoman Janice Fields said it was a "proud moment" to be able to watch Bernards Township's first female officer to retire.

Fields, who had twin boys go through the school system, noted how Loschiavo was well respected by the children in town and really helped to shape their lives.

"We are really going to miss her," Fields said.

The ceremony ended with Loschiavo signing off over the police radio.

"I am truly speechless about how much this day means to me and how special you made me feel today," Loschiavo said.

Watch Loschiavo's walkout and speech below:

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