Retired Bridgewater Cop Dies In Greenwood Lake Boating Accident

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Bridgewater community is mourning the death of highly decorated retired police lieutenant Thomas J. Dinan who died on July 30.

"It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of retired police Lt. Tom Dinan who died in a boating accident on Greenwood Lake. I ask for thoughts and prayers for the family and friends in this tragic incident and ask for a moment of silence," said Bridgewater Councilman Howard Norgalis at the Aug. 1 meeting.

Dinan served for 27 years with the Bridgewater Police Department, retiring as the Lieutenant in June 2015. Throughout his career, Dinan served as a Patrol Officer, Detective including Narcotics Investigator, Bias Crimes Officer & Counter-Terrorism Liason, Patrol Sergeant & Administrative Sergeant and Patrol Lieutenant.

Dinan also served 6 years as an Officer and then Detective with the UMDNJ Police Department.

On June 28, 2018, Dinan came to the West Milford Police Department. As a Class II Special Police Officer, Dinan helped with Traffic Details, Township Events, Prisoner Watches & Transports as well as Court Security, according to the West Milford Police Department.

Dinan leaves behind his wife Gloria (O'Donnell) Dinan, children Mariah J Dinan and Thomas P Dinan, siblings John Dinan, Irene O'Donnell, Maureen Morris, and the late Joseph F. Dinan.

Services for Dinan will be held at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, on Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 1911 Union Valley Road, Hewitt on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Warwick Cemetery in Warwick, NY.

If any department is planning to send Officers or Vehicles for the services, they are asked to contact Sgt. Stephen Herzog at 973-728-4218 or S.Herzog@WMTPD.Org.

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