It has been my absolute privilege to serve as your Police Chief these last 7 years. As my 25 years in law enforcement come to a close this month, I wanted to say goodbye and reflect on a couple things. I started with Galloway Township as a 9-1-1 dispatcher in 1997 before being hired by Chief Bill Fisher of the City of Wildwood in the summer of 1999. I worked as a Special Officer that summer with the current Chief Robert Regalbuto, before being hired in Hamilton Twp where I served proudly until returning here to my hometown in 2002. 23 years as a Police Officer before and after 9/11 when law enforcement was held in its’ highest regard, through economic pitfalls and reductions in staff, to the COVID 19 pandemic, I have been humbled by the many ups and downs. Retired Chiefs Pat Moran and Thomas Conroy had faith in my ability to become Chief of Police and I am grateful for their mentorship. Captains Christopher Doyle, Richard Barber and my personal secretary Kathy Weber have all served faithfully by my side.
I was raised to be respectful and to have empathy, particularly for those that find themselves in the worst of times. I also learned to stand up and defend yourself, your family and your community no matter what. I worked as a waitress while I attended college at Ventura’s Offshore in Northfield. Working for Lou DiVentura and manager Ellen Flynn at the time just reinforced my work ethic. As a waitress, I learned communication skills, how to handle money and most of all the importance of excellent customer service which is the business model I have adapted as a Police Administrator. Chris Gehring, Mark Clopp and Marcel Simone from HTPD were my training officers. They taught me good patrol tactics, community engagement and how to be proactive. Sgt’s Robert Storck and Mike Petuskey our County Undersheriff, were amazing leaders and motivators. Charismatic, each in their own way, they were positive supervisors who had a true passion for their subordinates. They taught me, they inspired me to work hard and they held me accountable as a professional.
To the residents of Galloway Township. There are not enough words to describe the amazing support system you have been for me and I cannot thank you enough. My police officers are the best this profession has to offer! I could not be more proud to have led them and their hard work only made my job easier each day! The men and women that work for our department in dispatch, records and IT and are kind, selfless and dedicated to service. The Police Department works as a team. Manager Chris Johansen, Mayor Coppola, Mayor Gorman, the School Administrators and Business Owners: this town is really massive but it’s the smallest around when it comes to sticking together and making sure we are all safe and healthy. Mayor Purdy, I was promoted to Chief under your reign and I promised I would give you my best that day. I thank you for believing in me.
To my students at ACCC: I never in a million years thought I would love teaching but I truly adore it because of you. Keep up your hard work and your drive to succeed. I am so proud of all of you and you are bright lights for what is to come for the field of Criminal Justice!
I will end by thanking my parents, John and Gina Higbee. My husband, Steve Garrison, my children Ava and Michael Buccafurni and their father Michael Buccafurni. Without my family I would not have succeeded in accomplishing my goal to lead this police force. It was a big job and I had big expectations for myself. I’m excited for what the future may bring for me but Galloway is my home so I’ll be around…
~Chief Donna Higbee
