A formal resolution will be put to a Township Committee vote on Jan. 3
By John Tredrea
Capt. George C. Meyer, a 30-year veteran of the Hopewell Township Police Department, has been picked to be its next chief.
Capt. Meyer, 51, would replace Chief Michael Chipowsky, who retires March 1.
"I’m sure Capt. Meyer will do an excellent job as chief," Mayor Arlene Kemp said after the full Township Committee voted unanimously Monday night in favor of a resolution identifying Capt. Meyer the next chief.
A formal resolution appointing Capt. Meyer chief will be put to a committee vote at the annual Jan. 3 Hopewell Township Committee reorganization meeting.
The resolution passed Monday night states that the "Township Committee has interviewed Capt. Meyer and determined that he exceeds the requirements for chief of police as specified in the Hopewell Township Police Department Rules and Regulations Manual."
"I thank you very much," Capt. Meyer said to the committee Monday night as residents attending the meeting applauded. "I’ve been here 30 years and have hoped to be chief. It’s gratifying to have you behind me."
Capt. Meyer has lived in the Titusville section of the township for 20 years with his wife, JoAnn. They have three daughters, ages 15, 13 and 10.
The captain also is a longtime township fire commissioner as well as a fireman and ambulance driver for Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, headquartered on Route 29.
Capt. Meyer, who has served in his current rank since 2002, began work with the local department in September 1975. Since then he has served as: 1975-1983, patrol officer; 1983-1994, detective; 1994-1997, administrative/training sergeant; and 1997- 2002, operations lieutenant.
A 1972 graduate of Hamilton High School East (Steinert), he received a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice in 2001 from Thomas Edison State College. He received a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2003.
He also is a graduate of: West Point Leadership and Command (1996); Northwestern University, Traffic Institute, School of Police Staff and Command (1997); Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, Executive Management Program (2000); Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy 208th Session (2002) and Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (2003).
He was certified as an Eligible Law Enforcement Executive by the NJ State Chiefs of Police Association in 2002 and recertified in 2005.
His awards and commendations include: four Departmental Commendations; two Hopewell Township Departmental Awards of Merit; the New Jersey Bankers Association Award (1980); three Broad Street Bank Distinguished Service Awards; Policeman of the Year, Princeton Elks (1983); Mercer County 200 Club Valor Award (1986); CoWorker Appreciation Award (1991); three Employee of the Year (Police) awards; and the Departmental Award of Excellence (2004).
Capt. Meyer also serves as secretary, Board of Trustees, PEI Kids, Lawrenceville; secretary, Board of Fire Commissioners, Hopewell Township Fire District; and fire captain, Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad.