Lacey Police Hold Retirement Walkout Ceremony For 2 Officers

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township Police Department held a walkout retirement ceremony Friday for Lt. Vincent Meehan and Sgt. Robert Surtees. Both served Lacey for 25 years each.

Meehan and Surtees — both lifelong Lacey residents — individually signed off the police radio for the final time. They received applause from their families, friends and coworkers, and Chief Michael C. DiBella presented them with retirement plaques.

"All of us at the Lacey Township Police Department thank you both for your hard work and dedication to our community," Lacey police and PBA No. 238 said in a statement. "While we are well aware of the voids that need to be filled in your absence, we wish the both of you and your families all of the best in your future endeavors."

Meehan began his law-enforcement career with Lacey in 1995. He attended the Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Training Class #65, where he graduated first in his class.

He served as a patrolman for 18 years. After consistently scoring No. 1 on the Police Sergeant’s promotional exam, he became a sergeant in 2013.

Meehan has received several accolades, including multiple lifesaving awards and the Grand Cordon Ribbon for his service during Super-storm Sandy.

"Lt. Meehan has long distinguished himself as a consciousness and hard worker and was highly respected by his superiors, peers, and subordinates," the statement said. "His sharp knowledge and guidance will be sorely missed by the men and women of the Lacey Township Police Department."

Surtees joined Lacey police in 2000 before he was assigned to the position of detective in 2008. That's where he "excelled in his assignment with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic’s Strike Force," the statement said. He was promoted to sergeant in 2017.

His accolades include the drug buster award for his self-initiated work in the field of narcotics, and the Grand Cordon Ribbon Award for his performance during Super-storm Sandy.

Surtees also served 11 years with the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.

"Surtees is highly regarded by his superiors, peers, and subordinates, and his leadership will be deeply missed by the rank and file of Lacey Police," the police department said.

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Lacey Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.