(above) Robert Moldenhauer (1965) record setting 23 years as a special police officer.
Photo source: Family
A “Special” Officer’s Memories
Back in the mid-1950s, the police department had 12 members. That small efficient group was augmented by “special officers” and the police reserves. Robert “Bob” Moldenhauer, 93-years old, served as a special officer for a record 23 years, 1958-1981. He and his wife, Marie, have three children: Bob, Jr., Linda, and Brian. Linda stated, “We were so proud of him being a special officer. I loved to iron his police shirts and proudly attached his badge when done. My brothers anxiously polished his shoes and boots. We wanted him to look just perfect.”
Bob recalled, “The specials and the reserves did some similar things, except that the specials could carry guns, enforce laws, and accompany regular officers on tasks. Specials got paid for assignments, and often donated it back such as duty for a church. We did traffic duty; guarded banks; patrolled carnivals; did security at Patrylow’s and Miller’s picnic groves; were stationed at Veterans Center dances; assisted with crowds in emergencies; and did other things.”
Solemnly, Bob recalled, “On a call with officer Garland Fraser, a car had crashed into a building. The driver was killed. It was a troubling scene. But there were lighter times. At a teen event, boys visited the restroom very often. When the coast was clear I checked it out. I found alcohol stashed in the ceiling.” With a chuckle Bob commented, “That party was over.”
Bob added, “I enjoyed working at the K-Teen Club at the Harding School gym. The kids were great. They walked there or parents dropped them off. One time after a father dropped off his daughter and drove away, she got into a car with a boy. Concerned for her wellbeing and having a daughter myself, I just had to let her dad know. That was the last time she did that!”
During WWII, Bob was a seaman first class in the US Navy. He saw combat in the Pacific at Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He witnessed the flag raised on Mt. Suribachi. Bob and Marie moved into a new, S. 20th St. home in 1949. Marie smiled as to how they met. “We both happened to work in the same building in New York City. One day we collided at the elevator. Sometime after Bob thought he was going to lose me. He saw me in a black dress walking with two nuns. He thought I was a novice. It was a coincidence that my dress was black. We’ve been happily married for 71 years.”
Bob worked full time as a layout person for the Western Electric in Kearny, NJ. He served as VFW Post 2230 commander and is one of only two remaining WWII veteran members.
When asked why he signed as a special officer, Bob answered, “I always thought I’d like to be a policeman.”
Research provided by Walter E. Boright, Ed. D., historian; Historic Signs, Inc. Persons with inquiries about this or other aspects of Kenilworth history may contact Dr. Boright atdrbori@aol.com or 908-256-5200.
(above) Robert Moldenhauer (2015) one of only
two remaining WWII veterans
in VFW Post 2230.
Photo source: Historic Signs, Inc.
(above) Seaman 1st Cl. Robert Moldenhauer (1944): Saw flag raised on Mt. Suribachi.
Photo source: Family
(above) Marie and Robert Moldenhauer, married 71 years, met at an elevator.
Photo source: Family
