Township Committee will appoint Harry Kleinkauf’s successor.
By: Matthew Kirdahy
CRANBURY The township will bid farewell to the man it has called chief for the past 12 years.
Police Chief Harry Kleinkauf submitted his resignation letter to the township in December 2002, but did not publicly announce his retirement until earlier this week. His last day will be Dec. 31, 2003.
"I felt that it was time to pass the gavel," Chief Kleinkauf said. "I’m going to really miss the idea of helping the public and working with such a great group of people."
Chief Kleinkauf, 63, has submitted a list to the Township Committee of fellow officers he feels are qualified to be his successor.
He has recommended Capt. Jay Hanson for the chief’s position that pays an annual salary of $90,000. Lt. Ed Kahler is Chief Kleinkauf’s suggestion for taking over the captain position.
Mayor Pari Stave said Chief Kleinkauf’s services will be sorely missed and that his recommendations are highly considered.
"He is a most beloved figure in this town," Mayor Stave said. "He’s going to be missed, but has left an impressive lineup (of officers) that will allow for a smooth transition into the rank of chief."
Chief Kleinkauf has prepared for his retirement for almost a year now. He built what he said was a "more than capable" management team to continue the quality service in Cranbury. The decision is now left to the Township Committee to appoint a new leader of the 16-officer department.
Chief Kleinkauf has served Cranbury since 1970 and became chief in 1991. He’s an active member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the Middlesex County Association of Chiefs of Police. He is still an active volunteer for both groups.
Before coming to Cranbury, he worked with the Hightstown Police Department for five years.
He said it’s going to be a major adjustment from working every day to retirement. He plans on finding something to occupy his time part-time while remaining an active member, in any way he can, in Cranbury.
"It’s hard to step down," Chief Kleinkauf said. "It’s certainly been an enlightening experience, but they tell me that there is a life after the police force."

