Police Chief John Zimmerman Retires
Police Chief John Zimmerman will be retiring from the Kenilworth Police Department effective March 1, 2021. A retirement ceremony honoring him was held at the Kenilworth Borough council meeting held on Wednesday, February 24th. A “Walk Out” ceremony saluting Chief Zimmerman will was held on Friday, February 26th at 3 p.m. in front of Borough Hall on Kenilworth Boulevard.
Chief Zimmerman was born and raised in Kenilworth and still resides here with his wife Nancy and daughter Jenna.
He was a Union County police officer for 2.5 years starting in 1988, he joined the Kenilworth Police Department on February 1, 1990 as a patrol officer. He made Detective in 1993, Sergeant in 2006, Lieutenant in 2010, and was appointed Chief on July 1, 2013.
Chief Zimmerman’s academic accomplishments include an Associate’s Degree from Union County College in Criminal Justice; A Bachelor of Arts degree in Individualized Studies/Public Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science, both from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Chief Zimmerman took great pride in serving the town of Kenilworth. His passion for policing had no ends. He attended nearly every community function in Kenilworth during his term as Chief. He was available for his officers and residents 24/7. During the COVID-19 crisis, from March thru June, he was at work 7 days a week.
Chief Zimmerman was responsible for the initial accreditation for the Kenilworth Police Department. He developed the Kenilworth Police Department Handbook. He established public outreach initiatives on social media, and events such as School Safety Day, Coffee With A Cop, National Night Out, and the Dr. Suess Reading Program in schools.
In addition to his duties as Chief, a long list of community services includes serving as a volunteer fireman and rescue squad member from 1986-1990, volunteering as Santa Claus at Harding School, and manning the Salvation Army Kettle & Bell Ringing at the Kenilworth Acme for the Welfare Department. He played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, a performance by C.A.S.T. working with local youths. He would chaperone proms and DARE pool parties. He organized youth fishing derbies. And never missed a turn on the PBA carnival Dunk Tank. He was a Kenilworth Little League Girls Softball coach, and was named ‘Kenilworth’s Little League Home Town Hero’ in 2002. He served on the Kenilworth Municipal Alliance since 1993, was a Red Ribbon coordinator, and in 2000 was named Volunteer of the Year…. And the list goes on.
Diane O’Neill said “I had the pleasure of being his Administrative Assistant his entire term as Chief and have worked with him for 18 years and can honestly say he is the most knowledgeable, dedicated and sincere Chief I have ever had the honor and pleasure to work with.”
Chief John Zimmerman is well known, liked and respected in the Kenilworth community. He served his community well. Best wishes for a long, healthy and happy retirement.
A message from Chief John Zimmerman
It’s been a pleasure and an honor serving the Borough of Kenilworth. When I retire this month, I will have served over 33 years in law enforcement with 7 and a half of those years as the Chief of Police for the Borough of Kenilworth.
I want to thank the men and women both civilian and sworn of the Kenilworth Police Department for their support over the years. For without them and al their hard work, the Kenilworth Police Department would not be what it is today – a very fine professional police department that is customer service driven to keep our borough and its citizens safe.
Albert Einstein said, “Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living’ and so far for me after more than 33 years of service I agree! I hope to find ways to serve, other than law enforcement, in my retirement.
