FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF GARY C . GUBBEI MAPLE SHADE PD
Chief R . Bruce Phillips – An Appreciation
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | April 2018
On March 11 , our Association lost one of the most important figures in the history of our organization with the passing of retired Holmdel Police Chief R . Bruce Phillips .
Bruce joined the Holmdel Police Department in 1965 as a full time patrolman under the leadership of his father , Joe Phillips , who was the sole law enforcement Officer appointed Constable in 1946 and later Police Chief in 1952 . Bruce was later appointed Chief in 1971 . He served 39 years on the Holmdel Township Police Department , 33 years as Chief .
Bruce served as President of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association and the FBI National Academy Association - NJ Chapter . He was active in the IACP , as well as within his community in Holmdel . But it was his time as a member of the NJSACOP Board of Officers , and his service as President ( 1988 – 1989 ), for which we in the State Chiefs are most in his debt . He came on to our Board of Officers in a very difficult time for our Association . Those who were around the organization in those days can attest to the financial struggles and occasional internal strife that made it difficult for the Association to accomplish our important mission .
Bruce was one of the leaders that addressed those ( and other ) issues head on and helped set us on the road to where we are today . But more than anything , Bruce will be remembered as the guiding light and driving force in the creation of our Police-Security Expo and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Memorial Service ( the first of its kind in the United States ). They are still today two of our most prominent and important events , and we are in Bruce ’ s debt for his vision and energy in making them a reality . This year , both events will be dedicated to his memory .
Bruce was , of course , more than simply a police leader . He was a devoted husband , father and grandfather . We send to his entire family our sincerest sympathy , and will keep them in our thoughts even as we recall Bruce ’ s impressive career in public service , and all that he accomplished on behalf of our Association and our members , past , present , and future .
The Police Security Expo 2018 is being dedicated to the Memory of Chief R . Bruce Phillips .
Chief Gary C . Gubbei NJSACOP President
( Right ) Chief Bruce Phillips with Governor Florio at Memorial Service
( Left ) Chief Bruce Phillips with Governor Kean and children of a fallen officer
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