Post date: Oct 21, 2012 5:29:30 PM
Medford Lakes police facing leadership change
By Kristen Coppock Staff writer | Posted: Sunday, October 21, 2012 12:00 am
MEDFORD LAKES — The Police Department is undergoing a major leadership change in the wake of Chief Frank Martine’s departure last week.
Martine stepped down after 20 years with the small force and served his last day Oct. 12. He will remain on the borough payroll through Dec. 31, using accrued time that includes vacation.
Martine is officially retiring from public service, but officials said he plans to pursue employment in the private sector. He was not immediately available for comment.
“Frank has been a strong leader for the police department and leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication to the borough and its residents,” Borough Manager Julie Horner-Keizer said. “He has always served with the good of the borough in his heart and will remain a valued member of our community.”
In the chief’s absence, Lt. Stephen Carbone is serving as head of the department. Carbone is expected to remain the officer in charge until a permanent chief is named.
On Friday, Carbone called Martine “an extremely hardworking chief” who was dedicated to the force, the community and his family. He said Martine was known to work the streets in addition to his administrative and supervisory duties.
“He was the first chief (in Medford Lakes) to cover calls,” Carbone said.
Martine began his career as a special officer in Ocean City after earning a degree in criminal justice from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). He was hired by the borough as a patrolman in 1992 and rose through the ranks to corporal, sergeant and lieutenant before being promoted to chief in 2002, Horner-Keizer said.
An alumnus of Cherokee High School in Evesham, Martine had a number of professional accomplishments over the years. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the recipient of the Division of Criminal Justice Merit Award, Academic Achievement Award, and a firearms award from the Gloucester County Police Academy.
Martine also served as president of his local Fraternal Order of Police lodge and the Burlington County Police Chiefs Association. He was named the New Jersey FOP’s Member of the Year in 2009.