Chief Earle Retires After 33 Years of Service – Deputy Chief Harkins to be Promoted to Chief
Chief of Police Harry Earle will retire from the Gloucester Township Police Department effective November 1, 2019 and Deputy Chief David Harkins will be promoted to Chief of Police to lead the department.
Chief Earle is retiring after 33 years of service with the department and his last 9.5 years were as Chief of Police. Earle began his career in 1987 as a Class I Special Officer and Dispatcher before becoming a full time officer in 1988 where he served in numerous positions for the agency before becoming Chief of Police in February of 2010.
“I thank you for your partnership with GTPD, which I believe has made our community stronger and safer. Our major community policing initiative launched in 2010 focused on building community partnerships, opening lines of communication, establishing relationships with youth, and changing the way we train – all have which helped overall crime being reduced substantially. I have been so fortunate as Chief of Police to have such commitment and support from the community, Mayor Mayer, and all of our local government leaders. I am also confident that Deputy Chief Harkins will provide the leadership that is needed to keep moving the department forward so that the men and women of the GTPD will continue to provide outstanding police service to the community. I am thankful to all of the members of the Gloucester Township Police Department who work tirelessly in building relationships with the community while also protecting them – this is not always an easy task. An officer may be giving a high-five to a young child at a bus stop, taking a picture with a lost dog, and then in the same shift perform CPR on a person who has overdosed, or may even later be assaulted by someone as they make an arrest for a crime. I salute the men and women of GTPD as they perform these extraordinary and diverse duties every day,” said Chief Harry Earle.
“It’s a bittersweet day in Gloucester Township as Chief of Police Harry Earle announced his retirement from the Gloucester Township Police Department after serving 33 years in law enforcement. Having become Chief of Police in 2010, he has been a tremendous force in spearheading numerous initiatives that have recognized the Gloucester Township Police Department on a county, state, national, and international levels. His passion to serve and protect our residents combined with his drive for implementing the latest technological advancements has made an exponential impact on Gloucester Township and created a much safer community. His unparalleled professionalism, urgent sense of accountability, and strong leadership have been greatly appreciated by many and will be missed. Chief Earle’s retirement will be effective November 1, and I wish him a happy retirement and thank him for his service to Gloucester Township. I would also like to announce that Deputy Chief David Harkins will assume the responsibilities as Chief on the effective date of Chief Earle’s retirement. Deputy Chief Harkins has been a Gloucester Township Police Officer since 1995 and second-in-command since 2010. I strongly believe that Deputy Chief Harkins will continue the great progress of the Gloucester Township Police Department. His sense of professionalism, and his high ideal for service will make him a very successful leader of our Police Department, and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity as Chief of Police,” said Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer.
Deputy Chief Harkins has served with the Department since 1995. He holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice, a masters degree in human resource development, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Chief Earle’s “Final Radio Call” and “Honorary Walk Out” will take place on October 30, 2019 at 3:30 PM, at the Gloucester Township Municipal Building. This event is not open to the general public, but media are welcomed to attend this event.
Deputy Chief Harkins will be sworn in as Chief of Police at a Change in Command Ceremony on November 4, 2019 at 6:30 PM. This event will be open to the public. The location and details for this event will be announced in the near future.
Any questions may be directed to the Gloucester Township Police PIO, Capt. Anthony Minosse at 856-374-3508 or aminosse@gtpolice.com.
PRESS RELEASE: 9-24-19 Chief Earle Retires After 33 Years of Service
