Matawan police chief ready for retirement After 25 years on the force, Chief McGowan will retire BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer MATAWAN- After 25 years of service to the Borough of Matawan, the chief of police has entered a retirement agreement with the borough. The Borough Council passed a resolution at the April 21 council meeting accepting an agreement with Chief of Police Robert M. McGowan. McGowan will retire from his post as chief of police, effective June 30. According to the resolution passed at the meeting, McGowan will be compensated $79,300 for 127.5 unused sick days and 35 unused vacation days accumulated prior to Jan. 1. The resolution also states that McGowan, his spouse and dependent( s) will continue to receive the current level of health insurance benefits from the borough until the time McGowan or his spouse reaches Medicare age, after which time the borough policy will become secondary. "One of the great and rewarding things about being a police officer is that every day is memorable," McGowan said. "I believe that every chief hopes to leave the department a little better than it was when [he or she] took it over. I think I have accomplished that goal." McGowan said that one of the more memorable days for him was when he was sworn in as a police officer and his father, former Matawan Police Chief Robert V. McGowan, held the Bible as he took his oath. "I am proud of the education and training programs that I have put in place, and also the technological advances we have made in the last two years," McGowan said. Former Mayor Mary Aufseeser swore McGowan in to office on Feb. 21, 2006, as the replacement for Chief William W. Toomer. McGowan's father, Robert V. Mc- Gowan, served as chief of police from 1980 to 1986. In 2002, McGowan was promoted to the rank of captain. Prior to serving as captain, he was promoted sergeant in 1998 and promoted to lieutenant in 2000. McGowan was appointed as a police officer in January 1985. He had served as a police dispatcher and class II specialist since joining the Matawan Police Department in 1983. "I am also extremely proud of the men and women of the Matawan Police Department. The residents of the community have the finest, most dedicated group of officers keeping them safe," McGowan said. "I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to lead this department and this group of officers." McGowan said he plans to do some flyfishing and hunting after he retires, as well as spending more time with his family.