Pinelli celebrated for service in final walkout

Doug Pinelli ended his time as chief of police for the Pennington Police Department with a final walkout and radio call.

Family, friends, community members, fellow officers and peers showed support at Pennington Borough Hall on Jan. 31 as Pinelli ended his 20-year career on the Pennington police force.

Pinelli’s retirement was announced in June 2024 and went into effect on Feb. 1.

“I want to say thank you to the residents of Pennington Borough,” said Pinelli in a message posted on the Pennington Police Department’s Facebook page. “As many of you know, my time as your Chief of Police ended yesterday with my retirement. The outpouring of love and support that I saw yesterday was extremely heart felt and beautiful.

“While my decision was hard, it was time for me to move forward. Pennington will always have a special place in my life.”

Pinelli thanked the officers and the community.

“Thank you to the Pennington and surrounding fire companies for your support,” he wrote in the message. “Thank you to the Easter Bunny (whoever you may be) for the beautiful gift basket – and a very special thank you to my pals at Tollgate Grammar School for all of your cards and signs. Made me cry a little bit harder! I will see you all around town.”

Pinelli became the borough’s chief of police in 2020, first serving as interim chief. He was then appointed chief after his employment agreement was authorized by borough council that year.

He has led the police department as chief since the retirement of former Public Safety Director William Meytrott and Pennington’s switch from a public safety director model to police chief.

Pinelli joined the Pennington police force in 2004 and served as patrol officer until he was promoted to sergeant in 2016. The following year, he was promoted to sergeant first class.

Prior to the police department, he was a member of the Pennington Fire Company from 2000 to 2005 serving as chief. He is a life member of the Pennington Fire Department.

Pinelli worked through the ranks of the fire company to become chief and resigned when he started as a police officer with the Pennington Police Department.

Prior to joining the Pennington police force, Pinelli served in the Belmar Police Department as a Class II officer for a couple years and was also employed by the Hopewell Township Public Works Department.

At the ceremony of his retirement walkout, Pennington Mayor Jim Davy read a proclamation from the Borough recognizing and honoring Pinelli’s service.

The proclamation, which was also on the agenda during the Borough Council meeting on Feb. 3, reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Chief Douglas Pinelli has served the Borough of Pennington with distinction since
October 13, 2004, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to public safety; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, Chief Pinelli has shown remarkable progression through the
ranks, being promoted to Sergeant on February 27, 2015, to Sergeant First Class on February 7, 2016, and
ultimately appointed as Chief of Police on May 4, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Chief Pinelli has demonstrated outstanding professional development through his
FBI LEEDA Command and Supervisory certification, E-Trilogy Certification, EMT Certification, and
completion of the Certified Public Managers Program at Rutgers University; and

WHEREAS, his exceptional service has been recognized through numerous awards and
commendations, including:
– Recognition as Police Officer of the Year by the State of New Jersey Knights of Columbus (May
16, 2014)
– Recognition for heroic action during a swift water rescue by Hopewell Fire District #1 (November
8, 2006)
– Lifesaving Award presented by Mayor Persichilli (February 28, 2013)
– Letter of appreciation from Hopewell Township Police for life-saving assistance (March 26, 2014)
– Senate & General Assembly Certification for outstanding record of service and leadership (May
11, 2024); and

WHEREAS, Chief Pinelli’s leadership has significantly enhanced the professionalism,
effectiveness, and community engagement of the Pennington Borough Police Department; and

WHEREAS, his dedication to public service has materially improved the safety and quality of life
for all residents of Pennington Borough;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of
Pennington hereby express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Chief Douglas Pinelli for his twenty
years of exemplary service to our community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council extend their best wishes to Chief
Pinelli for a long, healthy, and fulfilling retirement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Douglas
Pinelli and permanently recorded in the minutes of the Borough of Pennington.