By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — Glen Runge, 48, recently retired after 19 years as a sergeant with the Police Department, was recognized for his service during a Borough Council meeting in March.
He lives in Belford, a subsection of Middletown Township.
”It is really one of the nice moments for me to able to provide this proclamation, honoring someone who has just retired,” Mayor Steven Kirson said.
Over his 19 years with the Hightstown Police Department, Sgt. Runge received several certificates of appreciation from various organizations, including Better Beginnings Child Development Center and Head Start as well as the National Education Association for support and participation in the Read Across America Program, Mayor Kirson said on March 4.
Mr. Runge received a letter of appreciation from Mayor Robert Patten for his involvement with the DARE Program for his work as a DARE officer for 14 years at the Walter C. Black School.
Mr. Runge served as DARE officer for 15 years with the Police Department.
According to Mayor Kirson, Mr. Runge was a recipient of the Hightstown Borough Citizen award in 1998 and also received department accommodations for investigations for a burglary and an attempted murder on two separate occasions.
Mayor Kirson presented Mr. Runge with the proclamation to applause from the public.
His fellow coworkers along with his one daughter, Dani, 13, were present for the recognition. His other daughter, Megan, who is 18 years old, was unable to get back in time because of her college schedule.
”I can see the appreciation of the teachers and the students in the school and how well they related to him and he related to them,” Mayor Kirson said.
He said he observed the interaction with Mr. Runge and DARE students and teachers up close.
”Just watching him work in that capacity was really a great honor for the borough — to have someone work in the schools and represent the Police Department and the borough at the same time,” Mayor Kirson added.
Police Director James LeTellier talked about how — over his course of 30 years in law enforcement — he has found that each officer throughout their career finds their own path and specialty.
”Sgt. Runge found that in the DARE program,” Mr. LeTellier said.
Mr. LeTellier presented Mr. Runge with a proclamation and gift on behalf of the Police Department.
”This is an honor, and I am proud to have served Hightstown,” Mr. Runge said. “I’m looking forward to the next chapter and what I’m doing now.”
He added, “I wanted to thank you the town and everybody for giving me the opportunity to be a police officer in this town.”
Detective Benjamin Miller, on behalf of the Hightstown PBA Local 283 and his “brothers and sister,” presented Mr. Runge with his life membership as well as his lapel pin.
”In addition to missing DARE — to include my teachers, principal and students — I will miss the town’s people and business owners and workers,” Mr. Runge said in an email March 6. I’ve made a lot of friends over my 19 years in Hightstown.”
Mr. Runge started his career with the Brookdale Community College Department, then joined the Hightstown Police Department in 1994. Mr. Runge was promoted to sergeant Jan. 20, 2004.
”The reason I became a police officer is because I like serving others,” Mr. Runge said. “I like being the ‘good guy,’ the one people go to for help.”
Looking back over his career, the highlight for Mr. Runge has been his involvement with the DARE program.
”In addition to running the DARE program, I also enjoyed serving as one of the department’s firearms instructors for many years,” Mr. Runge said. “I also served as the training officer as well as the domestic violence liaison for HPD.”
Mr. LeTellier’s favorite memory of Mr. Runge is attending his last and final graduation at Walter C. Black School, he told the Herald.
”He was dedicated to the DARE NJ Program and the children he taught,” Mr. LeTellier said. “He made a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of his DARE graduates.”
Principal Heidi Franzo at Walter C. Black reflected on how Mr. Runge became a part of the WCB family.
”He was not only the DARE officer, but over the years as he provided instruction to over 1,500 students, he also became an integral part of the school,” Principal Franzo said March 4.
Principal Franzo added, “He did not just support our students during the DARE program, but he also supported the fifth-grade students throughout the school year by attending events, including promotion. He would visit the school often, walking through the hallways, stopping by the lunchroom and joining the children on the playground. He became a member of the Walter C. Black School family.”
The principal concluded, “Sgt. Runge is a wonderful person, a fine human being and a remarkable friend, one who has touched many, many lives of students, staff, and parents. He has left a piece of himself with all of us. We are going to miss him immensely.”
His coworkers reflected on working with him.
Patrolman Janine Krupa and president of the Hightstown PBA Local 283 recalled Mr. Runge’s dedication to the children in the community over the past seven years she worked with him.
”Sgt. Runge was always very happy helping and serving the community,” Patrolman Krupa said in an email. “Sgt. Runge was very dedicated to the kids and his passion for the DARE program as an instructor.”
Patrolman Krupa recalled when Mr. Runge was at a fundraiser held to raise money for the skate park.
”The kids kept telling him to ride the skateboard,” Patrolman Krupa said. “He rode the skateboard, but not until he put on a helmet. The kids thought that it was the coolest thing to see a 6-foot 5-inch grown man, cop in a uniform, riding a skateboard, which he did, in fact, do very well.”
She added, “This brought a smile to them and to him. Anything you needed from him, Sgt. Runge was always there to lend a helping hand.”
Coworker Sgt. Mark Niro has worked with Mr. Runge for more than 19 years.
”I will miss seeing him in the mornings when he relieved me from the night shift,” Sgt. Niro in an email. “It’s difficult to see time has passed, and we are now the elder members of this department. It’s very sad to see people that you have worked with for so long come to the end of their career.”
Mr. Runge was dedicated to DARE as well as the people of Hightstown, Sgt. Niro said.
”Sgt. Runge was a good officer while performing his DARE classes,” Sgt. Niro added. “Sgt. Runge had very good knowledge of his job, and he was someone you could always count on for overtime.”
Mr. Runge’s plans for retirement include spending more time with his daughters.
”I’m very grateful for my two daughters who have supported me and given me a reason to stay safe and return home each night,” Mr. Runge said. “They have both sacrificed having me home for many holidays, birthdays and milestones without complaining and struggled through being a ‘cop’s kid.’”
Mr. Runge has started pursing a new career.
”I have started the next chapter in my life by beginning training to be a commercial bus driver for Academy Bus,” Mr. Runge said.
”I wish him well in his retirement,” Mr. LeTellier said.

