Over 100 Years of Police Service Retires in Galloway Township

The Galloway Township Police Department lost 113 years of service in a retirement ceremony Tuesday night, and it is working diligently to replace those years as quickly as possible.

Sean Mildren, Kevin Mott, Steve McCandless and Richard Hink were all honored as recent retirees from the police department Tuesday night. Mildren was in the department for 25 years, Mott for 28, McCandless for 30 and Hink for 30 years as a cop, although he spent only half that time in Galloway.

“That’s a lot of experience and they’re good men,” police Chief Patrick Moran said. “I’m happy to see them get to retire, but I’m sad to see them leave the department.”

The retirements have helped reduce the force to 54 officers, but even that number is down due to injuries and military personnel who currently are serving. The township and the department are working as quickly as they can to get them replaced.

“I’m concerned about the retirements and the number of officers on the streets,” Councilman Tom Bassford said. “ … I don’t want to keep hearing the same thing about how they’re going to be replaced. I’d like to see this get to the top of the list.”

“This is my top priority as well,” Moran said.

While the department and the township are concerned about the future, three of the four retiring officers reflected on the past Tuesday night.

Mildren, Mott and Hink all received a plaque and a retirement badge at the council's meeting Tuesday night. McCandless was unable to attend.

“The unsung heroes are our families,” Mildren said. “They’re the backbone behind us. They’re there to support us. When the phone rings at 3 a.m. and we get in our cars and go out to the scene, they’re the ones who sit and wait.

“I was up at 2 a.m. going to join the swat team. It’s a fairly routine thing, but my daughter was out late and I was thinking, ‘Where’s my daughter?’ That’s what they worry about every night.”

Mildren’s family’s days of worrying are over. He’s a civilian now.

“I’m a civilian. Now you have to protect me,” Mildren told the department with a laugh.

“It was challenging and rewarding, but I had a great run,” Mott said. “Sometimes it gets hard. You’re doing the job no one else wants to do.”

Hink was grateful of the time he spent working with the school district, as a resource officer.

“Hopefully I could help one student make the right decision about drugs and alcohol,” said Hink, who was also aware how much more challenging the job is becoming.

“The streets are getting busier and the calls are getting more serious. We took 10 guns off the street in the last month.”

Members of the Galloway Township Council were appreciative of the officers’ service.

“I’ve seen these guys go into building with their guns drawn,” Mayor Keith Hartman said. “They’ve gone into buildings not knowing what’s on the other side while their kids are sleeping at home. I can’t say thank you enough.”

“I looked at the back of the room and the whole back of the room was lined with officers and chiefs,” Councilman Tony Coppola said. “That’s special. They’ve all been through difficult times together and the camaraderie is still there.”

Councilman Dennis Kleiner was thankful for the department and its services in general.

“If it wasn’t for the (Police Athletic League) I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Kleiner said. “I owe a lot to the police.”