Photo Gallery: Admirers Turn Out to Honor ‘Great Mentor, Great Leader' Lt. Bill Heath

Co-workers, friends, family – they all turned en force, pardon the pun – to celebrate Fair Haven Police Lt. William “Billy” Heath during his retirement dinner held Sept. 22 at Nauvoo Grill Club, Fair Haven.

“Bill was a great guy – family man, hard worker. He got me my job when I was getting hired,” said Corporal and PBA Local 184 President John Waltz, Middletown. “I’ve known him since I was seven years old, he was my neighbor in Middletown. He was a senior patrolman to me up through the ranks. He was a great mentor, a great leader.”

Patrolman Jeff Jarvis, Fair Haven, also came up through the ranks with Heath.

“I started working here as a part-time dispatcher in 1989, and Billy Heath was the lowest patrolman at the time. My whole entire 22 years, I’ve been employed by the borough, Bill Heath has always been an inspiration,” said Jarvis. “Generally speaking, he’s a likeable, good guy. He inspired me to become a special police officer – his words of wisdom and motivation inspired me to pursue a full-time career in law enforcement, which led to me being hired here full-time in 1996.”

Sergeant Sherri Lambert, Fair Haven, had nothing but praise for Heath.

“He was my director supervisor-slash-mentor. I’m very upset that he’s leaving. When I got promoted, he supervised me in the role of sergeant,” said Lambert. "He’s very intelligent, has a great personality. He’s compassionate – the kind of person who would do anything to help you day or night. He was extremely approachable. He’s always been involved in every aspect of the department on the whole. He’s definitely someone who’s going to be greatly missed by everyone.”

The retirement celebration at Nauvoo Grill Club featured a cocktail reception followed by dinner, and was attended by close to 100. Prior to the group being seated for dinner, Chief of Police Darryl Breckenridge, Fair Haven, commented on the event, and Heath.

“Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the retirement of Lt. Heath, who had an outstanding, unblemished career in Fair Haven. I was fortunate enough to work with him throughout his career,” said Breckenridge. “He held many positions within the department over those 25 years. I would say his most rewarding and satisfying assignment was in the Juvenile Division where he loved to deal with kids, and help kids with their problems. It’s evident he was successful in that venture, because many come back as adults now, and thank him for putting them on the right track.”

Lieutenant Heath was also a member of the Monmouth County Juvenile Association, where he held several executive board offices, including president for several years.

Retired Lt. Dave Binaco, Fair Haven, was also impressed by Heath’s involvement with the borough’s youth.

“Billy gave the town 110 percent every day. He was involved with coaching, kids’ stuff in town, the light-stick program at Halloween,” said Binaco. “I’ve known Billy a long time. We’re in the Volunteer Fire Company together. I was one of his bosses at the police department. It was a real pleasure working with Billy.”

Heath feels just as fondly of his co-workers, many of whom he worked alongside his entire 25 years, and reminisced about them.

“I’m going to miss the camaraderie of the force, and all the residents of the town the last 25 years,” said Heath.

The father of two college students, and a sophomore in high school is still keeping busy … on the water.

“I’m working at SeaStreak as a deckhand, working toward my captain’s license – just rest and relaxation when I can,” said Heath.

While Heath may be retiring from the force, he won’t be completely off the radar.

“He has a new job – he’s kind of moved on, so it’s on to the next thing,” said his wife, Jo Heath. “I’m happy for him – he’s done it for 25 years, so now he gets to find something else he likes to do. We’re very proud of him.”

Heath's son Colin, 15, spoke highly of his dad's transition. “I’m proud of him. He loves to sail and being out on the water – he’s really enjoying the SeaStreak job,” said Colin.

The celebration in honor of Heath included not only his family, friends, co-workers and former co-workers, but members of the governing body of Fair Haven, such as Borough Administrator Theresa Casagrande who spoke about Heath prior to dinner.

“He’s an excellent police officer. He has a fine record with the Borough of Fair Haven. He’s a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, and First Aid Squad,” said Casagrande. “He’s served the residents of Fair Haven in many capacities, and I’m sure he’ll continue to do so in the future. We thank him very much.”

Retired Fair Haven Police Chief Richard Towler, Fair Haven, had fond recollections of working with Heath.

“We started out with one-minute talks which would up being two-hour talks. I had a great time working with him,” said Towler. “Beyond the job, we went up to Stokes State Forest together – an annual trip for the sixth grade. I’m sure the town will miss him in his role as a police officer, but he’s still around serving the community in other capacities.”

There is no doubt that this community leader will be missed. “He did a great job for us on the team – he did a great job. I’ll miss him dearly,” said Breckenridge.

Congratulations to Heath on his well deserved retirement!