Cranbury recognized Michael Owens for his more than two decades of service with the township’s police department.
Owens, who had served as Cranbury’s police chief for a little more than four years, was honored by township officials as family, friends, fellow officers, and community members gathered at town hall on Jan. 27.
Once at the microphone, Owens reflected on what he called an “incredible journey.”
“For 26 years, this town has been more than a place of work,” he said. “It has been my home and my purpose and my extended family. To say a lot has changed during that time would be an understatement. When I first put on this uniform the town was a different place, we were smaller, quieter, and perhaps a bit simpler, but over the years as our township grew and changed so did our police department.”
Owens, whose retirement went into effect in February, noted that through the change one thing remained constant.
“The unwavering dedication of the men and women I had the privilege of serving alongside with,” he said, adding that they are more than coworkers. “I could say without hesitation that the officers of this department are some of the finest individuals I have ever known.
“They are people who have run towards danger when others ran away. People who have sacrificed times with their own families to protect this community and the people who exemplify what it means to serve with honor, integrity and courage.”
Together we have faced change and challenges that have tested us in ways that we never expected, Owens added.
“From responding to emergencies to adapting to societal shifts to bridging gaps between law enforcement and the people we serve. We have had to evolve and innovate. At times redefine what it means to be a police officer in today’s world.”
What has stood out through every trial is the heart of this community, Owens said.
“The support, understanding, partnerships we received from the residents and Township Committee have been the foundation of our success,” he said. “This relationship has been a two-way street built on trust, respect, and shared commitment to keeping the town safe and thriving.”
For Owens, he leaves his role with a profound sense of gratitude.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served here, for the memories I’ll carry with me, for the friendships I made along the way,” he added. “I’m grateful to this Committee for your leadership and collaboration and your belief in our police department.”
Owens was hired as a full-time officer in January 1999. He rose through the Cranbury’s police ranks from patrol officer to detective to sergeant, then lieutenant to chief of police. is retiring with confidence in the officers that remain. Â
“I want you to know how proud I am of you,” he said, noting he is retiring with confidence in the officers that remain. “You are more than capable of meeting challenges ahead. I know you will continue to serve this community with the same dedication and excellence you have always shown.”
During his tenure, Owens had worked as a DARE officer, which is now LEAD officer, for a part of his service at the Cranbury School, served on the Municipal Alliance Committee, and was the township’s office of emergency management coordinator.
“Finally, to the residents of this town, thank you,” Owens said. “Thank you for letting me be part of your lives, for trusting me to lead, and for reminding me every day why I chose this path. You are the heart and soul of this community, and it has been my honor to protect and serve you.
“Though I’m stepping away from the badge, this town will always hold a special place in my heart,” Owens added. “I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive, and I will always be cheering it on the other side of the badge. I thank you.”
Joann Charwin, chair of the Cranbury Municipal Alliance Committee, on behalf of the committee thanked Owens for participating as member through his tenure as police chief and as a community member thanked him for protecting and serving Cranbury.
Owens had been sworn-in as Cranbury’s police chief on Oct. 1, 2020.
“Chief Owens has demonstrated his commitment to substance abuse prevention and the importance of mental health,” Charwin said. “A notable new program that Chief Owens brought into Cranbury is the ARRIVE program, which serves the need of individuals in crisis when a call is made to the police.
“Many officers in Cranbury are trained in CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) which shows the commitment of Chief Owens and the Cranbury Police Department to the health and wellness of our community.”
Mayor Lisa Knierim thanked Owens for his leadership.
“I want to add I think as a leader the best gift you can give is the example that you set and think it is such a blessing that the officers that here tonight and those that aren’t here tonight had the benefit of the gift from you. So, thank you,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Eman El-Badawi said for her she thinks the magic Owens has in making people feel not only safe, but relevant and special is not a gift everybody carries.
“For us, I think we have had that for so many years like we are spoiled,” she said. “I’m really grateful our new up and coming chief continues to have a similar compassion, similar vision, similar finger on the pulse of the community that you have and fostered among the police community.”
Committeewoman Barbara Rogers said it was always great to see Owens and talk to him about matters that kept the town safe when she was mayor.
“I always felt like your decisions were just really well thought out and carefully thought out,” she said. “It was really great working with you, and I wish you the best.”
Committeeman Rob Christopher noted that he has been in town 19 years and the faith they’ve had in the police force in that time is second to none.
“I’ve raised my kids here, we’ve been around,” he said. “My in-laws have been around here for even longer and never once did we question the police force and your mission. I think that really has a lot to do with your leadership.”
Committeeman Matt Scott, who has worked with Owens for years as member of the Township Committee, praised him being very kind and thoughtful.
“One of the things I took away from any interaction I had with you was that you were a competent leader and a good cop, but you are also a really good person,” he said.
“Every interaction I had with you reinforced that feeling that I had. You are leaving the force in good hands. I feel like Giuseppe will take on that mandate and will run with it.”
