Former Aberdeen Township Police Chief Ralph E. Wallace, 78, Tinton Falls, died Feb. 7 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune.
Wallace, formerly of Matawan (now Aberdeen) Township, served on the police force for 351/2 years, from February 1952 until his retirement July 1, l987.
He was promoted to chief June 16, 1964, and served in that capacity for 23 years.
Current Aberdeen Township Police Chief Brian Dougherty remembered Wallace, who was the longest serving chief in department history and his commanding officer, as "a tough guy from the old school."
"He came from a time when things were different, things were done the old-fashioned way. They didn’t have all the technology we have today," said Dougherty. "They did it with a lot less fanfare and got the job done."
Dougherty said that Wallace’s legacy continues in the township and in other departments in the local area. His grandson, Christopher Stark, is an officer in neighboring Matawan, and his son-in-law, Sgt. Harry Stark, was a township officer.
"One of the last times he donned his uniform was when his grandson graduated the police academy. I know that was a very proud moment for him, and he was very glad to see that," Dougherty said.
"He was a tough guy, but above all he was a good chief and a fair man," said Dougherty. "He got a lot of respect around here and he earned it."
Wallace served with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942-45. He was a member of the Bayshore Task Force; the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association; PBA Local No. 163, Aberdeen; and the International Police Chiefs Association. He was also a founding member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4247, Keyport.
He was predeceased by a son, Eric E. Wallace, in 1989. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Wallace of Tinton Falls; two sons, Wayne Wallace of Union Beach, and Gregory Wallace of Long Branch; two daughters, Sharon Stark of Matawan, and Tammy Trotter of Southampton; and five grandchildren.
Interment was at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Keyport.