August 16, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – (August 16, 2024) – Robbinsville Township Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried announced today that Police Chief Michael K. Polaski will retire effective December 31, 2024, after 25 years of exemplary public service.
Polaski was named the full-time replacement for former Chief Chris Nitti on January 1, 2022. Nitti had served the RTPD for 28 years, including the last three as chief.
“Needless to say, Mike will be greatly missed,” Fried said. “He was the right man, at the right time, with the ideal skill set to tackle the many components and extra intangibles that come with being chief. He recognized the vital importance of community policing and kept pushing those initiatives, and our community, forward in a direction with a level of transparency I have never before seen from another department. Mike is universally respected, was always a pleasure to have around, and brings a professionalism to the job that every mayor looks for in a chief. On behalf of my staff and Council we congratulate Mike and wish him, Stephanie, and their boys nothing but the best.”
Polaski, 49, began his career with the former Washington Township (now Robbinsville) Police Department on March 8, 1999 as a patrolman. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2003, then Lieutenant in 2009. In 2016, Polaski was named Administrative Lieutenant and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinator.
“It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve the residents of Robbinsville for nearly 26 years.” Polaski said. “Thank you to the Mayor and Council for unwavering support, and I am proud of what we accomplished in my three years.”
Polaski spearheaded many important community outreach programs and events. As Chief, he expanded the S.A.F.E. Team for community members with autism or other communication disorders. Through the expansion of the Chaplain program, Polaski provided a vital tool to comfort families and individuals suffering from the various traumas associated with tragedy and loss.
“We’re seeing substantially more positive community engagement, and that’s something we are all very proud of in the department,” Polaski said. “The increased transparency, an updated website, along with an increased social media presence is allowing us to stay better connected to the community.”
Beyond his community work, Polaski has worked to lead the RTPD well into the 21st century.
“We have replaced all in-car and body worn camera systems and have added additional training across the board.” Polaski said, “We expect to transition to the State’s radio system by year’s-end and the RTPD anticipates a full accreditation assessment this fall.”
Mayor Fried plans to begin interviews for Polaski’s replacement in October.
“Throughout my tenure as Chief, I have focused on succession planning at all levels of the agency,” Polaski said. “We have a very deep bench of talent throughout the agency. I know I am biased, but I personally feel we have the best police and communications officers in all of New Jersey, so the responsibility of protecting Robbinsville residents will be in very good hands.”
-Robbinsville Township Office of Communications & Public Information.
Robbinsville Township Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried announced today that Police Chief Michael K. Polaski will retire effective December 31, 2024, after 25 years of exemplary public service.
Left Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried and right Police Chief Michael K. Polaski / Robbinsville Township Office of Communications & Public Information.
Robbinsville Fire Captain Jason Palmer (left) and Police Chief Michael K. Polaski (center) at an accident scene on Route 130 in the Windsor section of Robbinsville on May 23, 2002. Photo: Dennis Symons, Jr./File Photo
Mayor Dave Fried swears-in new RT Police Chief Mike Polaski, accompanied by his wife, Stephanie, and sons Evan and Matthew.
2022 Robbinsville Township Council Reorganization Meeting