LAKEWOOD – The township recently lost a noted father, husband, mentor, friend, and leader in the form of Police Captain Joseph Goertz badge #251.
Goertz is survived by his wife Elena, his four children Alexa, Joey, Nicole and Ryan and was described by the police department as being a “proud family man, nurturing husband and an amazing father.”
A post about him on the Township Police Department website noted that “his family always came first and he made sure that it was known his best accomplishments in life were to being lucky enough to marry his beautiful wife Elena and being a father to four great children.”
According to the department’s website, prior to his becoming a police officer he was well known professional bowler and the Lakewood Historical Museum has a display of his bowling trophies.
Goertz was hired in May of 1998 by the police department and was one of 14 Lakewood recruits that began their career at the Ocean County Police Academy class 70. After he graduated, he was assigned to the patrol division and during the course of his career he moved up in the department.
The captain joined the Special Response Team which was made up of highly trained and skilled officer to respond to critical incidents.
He was promoted in 2006 to the rank of sergeant and to the rank of lieutenant in 2013 both in the patrol division. He was promoted in to captain as patrol commander, laterally, as administration captain.
During his years in the department, he made an impact within the community, “gaining the respect and being a true friend to the community and his brother and sister officers. He will be greatly missed,” the police department said.
Goertz once told a fellow officer who asked how he wished to be remembered, “just call me Joe – a dedicated family man that loved his wife, kids and is proud to serve the Lakewood Police community, rank does not define me.”
