Summit Police Captain Retires After 28-Year Career

On May 25th, John Dougherty retired from the Summit Police Department after 28 years of service. He was recently promoted to the rank of captain in October, 2011, prior to that Dougherty worked as a department lieutenant and headed the traffic and special services bureau. 

The Summit native and resident joined the department as a patrol officer in 1984 after graduating from the Union County Police Academy. "He played a major part in making this organization what it is today," Police chief Robert Weck said in a statement.

As he rose through the ranks, Capt. Dougherty served as Juvenile Bureau Commander and Traffic and Special Services Commander before being. He also oversaw the department's state accreditation and national recognition from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement. 

Doughterty, who accepted a new job as Director of Security at Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, was awarded an Exceptional Duty Award and was inducted into the NJ Honor Legion for his participation in a fire rescue. He also served his police union as the Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Summit PBA local #55.

Captain Dougherty was born and raised in Summit, where he still resides with his wife and four sons. He has been a whose community service ranges from coaching the Summit Union Baseball program for 12 years and being a life member of the , to leadership positions in the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. He continues to stay involved with several ministries currently serves as the Grand Knight of the .

"I would like to thank John for all the great things that he accomplished during his illustrious career with this department," said Weck.

"The Summit Police Department, particularly the administration, will be somewhat emptier without him," he said.

—Pam Ferreira, Summit Police Department secretary, contributed to this report

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