Chief returns to civilian life after 29-year career BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer KAREN E. BOWES Retired Keyport Police Chief Theodore Gajewski shows off the latest additions to his police badge tattoo, at home on Thursday afternoon. KEYPORT - Police Chief Theodore "Ted" Gajewski never wanted to be a cop. If you ask him, his whole career was one big happy accident. "I actually quit the force in 1980," Gajewski said Thursday afternoon, just two weeks into his official retirement after 29 years. "I started my own repairs business. When that failed, two guys were retiring, so I got rehired." Initially, he wanted to be a mechanic. "I always liked working on cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, anything with an engine in it," he said. But work as a mechanic's instructor was inconsistent due to constant strikes. In 1977, unable to afford living in Kearny anymore, he and his wife, Susan, moved to Keyport. There he met a former mayor, who suggested he take the police test. To his surprise, he not only passed but was hired by the borough. Keyport Police Chief Theodore Gajewski poses with his daughter in the 1970s. After 29 years, the top cop is retiring. "Both times, I fell into it," he said. His wife Susan said he almost didn't make it through basic training. "The state police academy, it was like the Marines," she said. The 13-week course allowed participants to return home only on weekends, leaving her home in Keyport without a car. "It was a real blast," Susan Gajewski said. "Stuck inside for four months with a 2-year-old. It was a blast. But it was worth it." Susan Gajewski has kept a careful account of her husband's career over the years, with an extensive scrapbook filled with 29 years worth of newspaper clippings, photos, promotion papers and other historical documents. One clipping dated 1978 shows a young Gajewski being presented his badge by former Police Chief Michael Kelly. Other faded-to-yellow clips report on Gajewski's accomplishments throughout the years, nabbing robbers, breaking up street fights and performing acts of goodwill such as helping his young daughter Stacey return a lost wallet stuffed with cash back to its owner, and building a wheelchair ramp for a local paraplegic. One of his most memorable on the job moments came in 1997, when he helped deliver a baby alongside Keyport Police Capt. Anthony Gallo. "Tony Gallo ended up catching the baby, to put it bluntly," Gajewski said. "It was the quickest childbirth I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. ... She said, 'Oh my God,' slid down onto the floor and then the baby came out." Gajewski is generous when it comes to passing praise around. He said he believes his chosen successor, Capt. Thomas Mitchell, will be a better chief than he was. "Everyone likes to think they're the best at what you do," he said. "But I told the guys, I think Mitchell will be an even better chief than I was." Susan Gajewski agrees. "I think [Mitchell's] even more qualified than him," she said, pointing to her husband. "He's smarter in a different way." The incoming chief, whether it's Mitchell or some other, will inherit the debilitating problem of budgeting in deference to rising property taxes. Gajewski suggests combining the police, fire and public works departments of several surrounding small towns to create one regional district. "Down in Maryland, where our other house is, the nearest police department is eight miles away," Gajewski said. "If I call 911, I get a county dispatcher and they send whoever's closest." The couple plans to retire to Maryland "as soon as we can sell this house," the former chief said. Property taxes at their second home are about one-fourth of their New Jersey tax bill. "One of the reasons we're moving is we can't afford it," Gajewski said. "I'd love to stay but can't afford to." Before he goes, there is still one last official act to perform. This week, his son Matthew will graduate as a class II officer from the Monmouth County Police Academy. Gajewski will be there to hand him his diploma. "I was actually one of his instructors," he adds proudly. Gajewski said he enjoyed his time on the force. "I'm going to miss the job," he said. "I liked being a cop. I didn't like being chief. All in all, it's time for me to move on."