Legacy Of Service: Lawrence PD Chief Chris Longo Announces Retirement

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Lawrence Township Chief of Police, Christopher Longo, has announced his retirement.

Longo announced his retirement after 25 years in service and with the aim to pursue another career path.

His retirement will be effective Jan. 1, 2025.

"Serving the Lawrence Township community as the Chief of Police has been the biggest honor of my 25-year career," Longo said in a statement.

"I am also truly humbled to have been Chief during the police department's 100th Anniversary milestone."

Longo graduated from Lawrence High School in 1993 and started his career with the Lawrence Police Department in September 1999 as a police dispatcher.

He graduated from the police academy in 2000 and was assigned to the patrol division, where he quickly became a model police officer.

In 2004, he rose to the rank of detective, and by 2008 he was promoted to be a sergeant.

In 2018, Longo was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and in 2022 he was named chief, replacing the retiring Chief Brian Caloiaro.

"As Chief of Police, I have done my best to build strong relationships, engage the community, and provide a level of police service that our residents can be proud of, depend on, and trust. I am satisfied that those goals have been accomplished under my leadership," Longo said.

He thanked Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski and the Council for their trust and support during his time as Chief of Police.

“I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the great relationship and support that I received from the Lawrence Township School District Superintendent Robyn Klim and her staff," Longo said. “The success of the quality service provided by the police department over the past several years is a direct result of the men and women who serve in uniform and our professional support staff. These heroes are some of the most knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated law enforcement professionals in the business. I am so proud of them and the work they do every day. With that said, making the decision to retire to pursue another career path has been the most difficult decision I have had to make. I truly love the Lawrence Township community and the members of the police department."

Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski, Esq., expressed his appreciation for Chief Longo's service, saying he leaves the department with good work to build upon.

"I thank Chris for his excellent leadership of the LTPD. He leaves the department well-situated to continue with the good work and build upon all of his accomplishments over the past several years as Police Chief. Chris and I have a great working relationship. He is a valued member of our team, and he will be missed," Nerwinski said.

Longo has won numerous department awards throughout his time with the force, including 2016's Supervisor of the Year, five Commendable Service awards, one Meritorious Service award, and one Life Saving award.

He has also pursued numerous professional development opportunities, including graduating from the FBI-Mid Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Program and the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police Police Executive Institute. He received his NJ Civil Service Commission Certified Public Managers Certification from Rutgers University in 2024.

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