Cinnaminson Names Public Safety Director

Township committee members are set to hire a retired detective chief with the county prosecutor's office as its public safety director, a new post created this year.

Michael P. King, of Mercerville, Mercer County, will lead the  as director, and according to the public safety director ordinance, “is responsible for the proper efficient conduct of all public safety functions.” 

King will begin his post June 28.

The , according to township officials, when recent retirements left the local force without any officers experienced enough to take the police chief service test to lead the department.

Steven Fowles, who served as the acting police chief for a year,  after he and township committee members  regarding post-retirement benefits.  

Mayor Kathleen Fitzpatrick said township committee was looking for a professional with "impeccable credentials" for the new position.

“We have succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. Chief King has an unmatched range of expertise across the police and public safety spectrum,” Fitzpatrick said in a release.

King retired in 2007 as the prosecutor's chief of detectives, the top police post in the county. There, he led a staff of 53 sworn officers.

The new public safety director started his career as a police officer in Bordentown in 1980. That year, he won a police professionalism award, and in 1981 and 1982, was named Police Officer of the Year in Burlington County.

He was then recruited to the county prosecutor's office, serving as an undercover narcotics detective and major crimes and homicide unit investigator.

After rising through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief of directives, he made it to the top county position in 2003 until his retirement five years ago.

Since King's retirement, he held the position of civilian Police Academy Director. He also served as a New Jersey certified high school teacher of law and public safety with the Burlington County Institute of Technology.

“Chief King has a proven track record as a leader and manager in the field of law enforcement,” said Fitzpatrick. “He brings a relentless work ethic and the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Cinnaminson has landed the best.”

Township committee members will vote on King's approval at Monday night's regular meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the .

Stay with Cinnaminson Patch for more information.