POMPTON LAKES SPECIAL POLICE

The Pompton Lakes Special Police Unit was organized in 1950, during a nationwide reorganization of Civil Defense, by then Police Chief William F. Charles.

The new 20 man fully volunteer unit was formed as Police Reserves and signaled the revitalization of one of New Jersey's Finest Police Reserve contingents.

The new officers were trained by Chief Charles in an approved Civil Defense Course, and by January 1953, the organization was fully uniformed with funds gathered partly from Civil Defense and fund raisers. Their duties were to assist the regular officers during emergency, perform crowd control and assist with traffic control. On Sundays, Reserve Officers could be seen throughout the town directing church traffic.

Two Reserve Officers, James Egan and Bill O'Sullivan were also members of the Pompton Lakes Police Underwater Recovery Team, the very first of its kind in New Jersey, now known as the Pompton Lakes Police Search and Rescue Team.

By 1960, the Reserve ranks exceeded 40 active members with nearly 30 inactive members. By the late 1970's the organization was placed under the complete control of the State Police Training Commission, responsible for training all law enforcement officers. Training by members of the regular force and the Passaic County Police Academy continued.

In 1985 the officers were divided into two classes, Class I and Class II Special Police Officers and all were required to attend mandatory training. Class II officers were required to complete 266 hours of training which included powers of arrest, criminal law and procedure, C.P.R. and First Aid and firearms training and certification. All Class II officers are armed and have full police power while working, similar to the regular full time police officer.

The Class I Officers were required to complete 66 hours of training and are not armed. All have limited police powers, and are used for traffic and crowd control.

All Special Police Officers perform this service in addition to their regular job. They are a group of dedicated men and women who are honored and proud to serve this community. They have continually shown their dedication during emergencies and rightly deserve the support and respect of the community.

To date, the Pompton Lakes Special Police ranks consist of 11 officers, 6 class II and 5 class I officers.

DID YOU KNOW?

Roomes Old Homestead, which stood at the corner of Wanaque and Colfax Avenues, when standing, was known as the oldest building in Northern New Jersey. It was torn down in the 1920's. A brick building of stores replaced it. It became known as "Sharr's Corner" for the owner of the Pharmacy that occupied the corner. The store is now occupied by a shoe sales and repair shop.