Montclair Police Hold Surprise Send-Off For Richard Fleming

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Police Department recently offered a fond farewell – but not a goodbye – to a longtime employee, Richard Fleming.

On Thursday, Fleming left MPD headquarters for the final time after serving nearly 50 years with the township.

Fleming joined the Montclair Police Department in 1972 as a deputy police officer. In 2006, he retired from police duty and became the department custodian.

Members of the Montclair Police Department, Municipal Court and Fire Department waited outside police headquarters to surprise Fleming and give him a well-deserved retirement send-off.

“Mr. Fleming is truly a large part of the history of this Department,” Police Chief Todd Conforti said. “He saw all of us hired and progress through our careers, always offering us assistance, and willing to share his knowledge and experience.”

Conforti said Fleming was also instrumental in keeping headquarters “operating as safely as possible” during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“He will be truly missed by all, and we hope that he visits us often,” Conforti said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.