I regret to announce the passing of Chief John Stollsteimer Jr. Badge #17, who served as the 8th Police Chief of the Gloucester Township Police Department from July 1, 1992 until July 1, 2006. Chief Stollsteimer served as a Gloucester Township Police Officer from December 2, 1970 until his retirement on July 1, 2006 (36 years).
Chief Stollsteimer served as the President of the Camden County Association of Chiefs of Police from May 1997 - May 1998, and was a member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He served as Sergeant of Arms for the South Jersey Police Chiefs Association, and was a member of the Camden County Police Academy Advisory Board. Chief Stollsteimer was a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 169. Chief Stollsteimer served as the Gloucester Township Emergency Management Coordinator from July 1992 to March 1997.
Chief Stollsteimer was born in Philadelphia and moved to Keystone Avenue, in the Hilltop Section of Gloucester Township, as a youth. He attended Glendora Elementary School, Chews Elementary School, Blackwood Junior High School and Triton Regional High School, graduating in 1966 and became a long-time resident of the Erial Section of Gloucester Township. Before his service with the Gloucester Township Police Department, he worked at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.
Chief Stollsteimer attended the Burlington County Police Academy. He served as a Patrolman until May 1, 1973, when he became a Detective. Chief Stollsteimer was a Detective in the Juvenile Unit and Criminal Investigations Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant on March 5, 1975, and served as a Shift Commander. From January 2, 1978, to August 13, 1979, Chief Stollsteimer was also the Police Communications Supervisor. On August 13, 1979, Chief Stollsteimer was promoted to Lieutenant and served on the 5th Platoon. He was promoted to Captain on February 5, 1986, and served as the Patrol Commander. In 1986, Captain Stollsteimer established the Gloucester Township Police Department Special Response Team (SWAT). On March 27, 1989, he was promoted to Deputy Chief, serving under Chief Andy Fox.
In 2005, after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Chief Stollsteimer organized a supply drive for the officers and employees of the Ocean Springs, MS Police Department. He and Det. Brian Beck #60 drove to Mississippi and personally delivered the collected items.
Chief Stollsteimer was the recipient of an Official Commendation for Heroism for his actions in rescuing a resident from a dwelling fire on Garwood Road in Gloucester Township on February 12, 1976. In addition, Chief Stollsteimer was honored as the Gloucester Township Police Officer of the Year in 1996, and received many additional letters of commendation.
Chief Stollsteimer was a founding member of the Gloucester Township, NJ Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 206. He was well known in the Gloucester Township community, and was a member of many community organizations.
Chief Stollsteimer was the Chief who hired me, and I had the honor of working under his command for 11 years. I saw first-hand his leadership in action on many occasions. He was well respected and had earned the respect of both the law enforcement community and the residents of Gloucester Township. Upon my becoming Chief of Police, he was one of the first to congratulate me. He regularly reached out to provide his support, always from the viewpoint of a fellow Chief of Police. I will forever be grateful to him for providing me the opportunity to be a Gloucester Township Police Officer.
I join the men and women of the Gloucester Township Police Department who mourn the loss of one our family members. His support and leadership will be sorely missed.
Rest in Peace, Chief. Thank you for your service.
Chief David J. Harkins #122
Gloucester Township Police Department
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/1452
