By Birgitta Wolfe, Managing Editor
FLORENCE — Whenever there was a retirement or going-away party at the Florence Fraternal Order of Police lodge, it was always Police Chief Stephen Fazekas who was the roaster-in-charge — telling the stories, making the guest of honor squirm big time.
Well, people have long memories, and now it’s payback time, chuckled Capt. Al Scully, the chief’s friend and colleague.
This is because Chief Fazekas himself plans to retire Feb. 29 after 25 years with the department.
While no date is set for the farewell festivities, “I can assure you that when that day comes, he’s in for a long night,” the captain predicted. “An awful lot of people are waiting their turn.”
”We’re going to miss him. He cared a lot about our officers,” said Capt. Scully, who has been with the department 27 years. “He’s going to be a hard act to follow.”
For his part, Chief Fazekas is finishing up his studies at Fairleigh-Dickenson University where he is “very close” to a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.
So that first day of retirement March 1, “I’ll be sleeping in and doing homework,” he said.
He also is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Lorraine, and their two daughters, Stephanie, 19, and Sarah, 15, a sophomore at Burlington Township High School.
His own academic career was interrupted after three years when, in 1987 at the age of 21, he quit his studies at Glassboro State College to become a patrolman on the Florence police force.
”I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” said the 46-year-old Burlington Township resident.
”I grew up across the street from the Roebling Volunteer Fire Company. The town hasn’t changed much (since 1987). It’s a close-knit community,” he said.
Police work is about community relations, the chief said, and because he was born and raised in Florence, he knows most of the people in town, which makes his work easier.
An emergency medical technician for 12 years and a member of Florence Township Fire Company No. 1, he still plans to ride with the Florence squad.
His tenure with firefighting goes way back to the former Roebling Volunteer Fire Company where he became its youngest fire chief at the ago of 20. The only hitch was the local ordinance said the chief had to be 21. But after getting an attorney and talking it over with the Township Council, the age requirement was waived, and the rest is history.
As for the future, Chief Fazekas said he will be looking for a job in the homeland security or emergency response fields.
”I’ve been honored to serve (with the department). It’s been my privilege. I’m leaving on a good note,” the chief said.
In his absence, the Township Council will be deciding whether to hire a director of public safety who would handle the administrative chores now done by the chief. In the interim, Township Administrator Richard Brook will serve as public safety director, and Capt. Scully will be the top law enforcement office for the 22-member police force.
Capt. Scully said he is honored to succeed the chief and will do so with pride.
Despite the retirement, not all department ties will be broken. There’s still the annual Mayor’s Cup Softball Tournament between the police and the fire departments.
Last summer, even with the chief’s two home runs, the police team had to give up its two-year hold on the trophy after a 16-15 game.
So, what about this year? Are they still going to let the chief play?
”Absolutely, he’ll play,” Capt. Scully said. “He’s my pitcher. He’s going to play if I have to drag him back.”
Those firemen better start their spring training early.

