Sparta honors retiring police officers
By Megan Heintz
SPARTA — Three Sparta Police officers received their retirement badges at Thursday’s township council meeting.
Sparta Police Cpl. William Moyle, Cpl. Susan Parkes, Lt. Joseph Schetting, as well as dispatcher Charles Catalano will be retiring at the end of the month.
Due to inclement weather on Tuesday, the event was moved to Thursday.
“Tonight we are here to recognize four individuals in the police department. They have a combined 89 years of experience serving the residents of Sparta," said Township Manager William Close.
Parkes, Schetting and Moyle each have served 25 years on the Sparta police force and Catalano a total of 14 years.
“They all have dedicated their professional lives to the service of this community,” said Mayor Jerry Murphy.
Moyle has served in the patrol division since 1994 as a Drug Recognition Expert, Firearms Instructor, and a Field Training Officer.
In Aug. 2011, Moyle was instrumental in arresting several members of the infamous James Bond Gang after they had committed two residential burglaries, Murphy said.
Parkes has also served the citizens of Sparta since 1990, specifically the youth of the community.
Parkes held a variety of positions including as a Departmental Evidence Custodian, D.A.R.E. Officer, School Liaison Officer, Community Relations Officer, Sparta Police Youth Division Substance Abuse Instructor, and volunteer at numerous civic and community related events and organizations such as Project Graduation.
She was also the Sparta police representative for the Sparta Municipal Alliance Committee assuring that the youth of Sparta received appropriate substance abuse education at all grade levels, Murphy said.
“She’s an inspiration to the youth of our community, and whose energy and achievements has helped them to glimpse a future of hope and promise,” Murphy said.
“I’m so proud. I’m so honored to be here,” said Parkes. “I’ve led the dream come true. I work with the best bunch of men and women possible. For 25 years I’ve lived the dream, and I’ve had the best dream ever. I’ve had nothing but fun.”
Schetting has also been instrumental in efficiently moving the Sparta Police Department into the 21st Century through research, development, and implication of the latest technology, training, and equipment.
In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, Schetting was placed in command of a platoon of 20 law enforcement officers of various jurisdictions from across the nation as they conducted rescue operations and maintained law and order throughout the storm-ravaged city.
“Schetting has brought honor and pride not only to the community of Sparta but to the citizens across this great nation,” Murphy said.
“Their contributions have enabled our police department to achieve a ranking of the second-safest community in the state of New Jersey," Murphy said. "These individuals are respected by their peers as well as the public, and while it’s disappointing to see them leave, we’re happy for them personally as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
Close said they represent the best quality of law enforcement and public service.
"They were professional, dependable, and courageous," he said "Too often they go unrecognized for their efforts, and tonight we thank them and their families for their service to this community. Their retirements are well deserved, and they will be missed.”