Retired Montclair Police Officer Passes Away: Thomas Sobers

Montclair has lost a “cop’s cop.”

On Thursday, the Montclair PBA announced the passing of Thomas Sobers, a retired Montclair Police Department officer who was the first of several generations of his family to put on the MPD uniform.

“PBA Local 53 wants to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of Lt. Thomas Sobers Sr.,” the union stated on a social media post. “A cop’s cop, a friend’s friend, Lt. Sobers was loved by all.”

According to the PBA, Sobers served in the military during World War II before he joined the Montclair police force.

His family - retired Capt. Bob Sobers and Detective Steve Sobers - soon followed in his footsteps, according to the PBA.

During his time on the force, Sobers began a longstanding PBA 53 children’s Christmas party in 1953, a tradition that is still continued today, the union stated.

Montclair Police Chief David Sabagh had kind words to say about Sobers:

“I had the opportunity to work under the command of Lt. Sobers when I started my career in 1985, when he was one of the old timers that was tough as nails but had a heart of gold.

“After his retirement from the Department, Lt. Sobers would frequently visit our headquarters and speak to our members, sharing stories of his experiences during WWII as well as his experiences as a 37-year police veteran.

“Even after 37 years of service he remained active in the Police Department family, sharing his passion and pride for the job he loved so much.

“The Montclair Police Department and the Township of Montclair extend heartfelt condolences to the Sobers family. Lt. Thomas Sobers will be sorely missed.”

Photo of Thomas Sobers courtesy of the Montclair PBA via Facebook