JACKSON – After a long and distinguished career, it can be both rewarding and difficult to walk away but two of Jackson’s finest police officers had plenty of support on their retirement during a walkout ceremony at township hall.
Sgt. Michael Grochowski and Lt. Fred Meabe were both honored during this special event which noted their last day of duty with the force. Alongside many of their fellow officers and friends were public officials, Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, Council President Mordechai Burnstein and Councilman Ken Bressi.
Grochowski career in law enforcement began in 1992 as a corrections officer at the Hudson County Jail. In 1998 he joined Jackson’s police department in 1998 and during his time with the department he served in various roles, including field training officer and special response team member for both Jackson Township and the Ocean County Regional Team.
The officer also assisted with search and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Grochowski remarked, “For me the best part of working for the Jackson Police Department is the teamwork during serious events. I could always count on my brother and sister officers. I did not grow up in Jackson Township but I feel lucky to call Jackson my home.”
Meabe started his law enforcement career in 1996 as a Class II special for Jackson prior to joining the department full time in 2001. He held multiple positions during his tenure with the department and was promoted to lieutenant in 2024.
The officer is also well known throughout the community for directing and coordinating the Jackson PBA Pig Roast held each fall in Pine Lake Park in Lakewood.
Meabe noted that comradery and brotherhood were among the most meaningful aspects of his time with the Jackson Police Department. He said, “it is a very thankless, stressful and trying career but the moments you get to decompress with those around you…those are the things that help the most.”
The officer also noted upon his retirement the need for unity and understanding. He encouraged fellow officers to continue supporting each other.
“Make sure each and every day that the same people you walk into the building with to start your shift all walk out at the end of their shift, safe to their loved ones,” Meabe remarked.
Mayor Kuhn thanked both officers for their years of service and dedication. “On behalf of the Township of Jackson, I want to sincerely thank Lt. Meabe and Sgt. Grochowski for more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Jackson Police Department.”
The mayor added, “their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public safety made them tremendous assets to the department and to our community. They have done so much for the residents of Jackson and will truly be missed. I wish them nothing but happiness and success as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
