Ryan Borkowski was the 13th chief of police for the Monroe Township Police Department. He took his leave on Feb. 28.
For Monroe Police Chief Ryan Borkowski, it was all smiles and fist pumps as he walked out the door for the final time after a 27-year career in law enforcement.
On the police radio, his career was highlighted during his retirement last call on Feb. 28, and with that, the dispatcher stated he will be missed and, “For the final time, you are off radio.”
He was met by his wife, Leslie, and a sea of blue on his sendoff. It was just last year to the date that Borkowski became the 13th chief of the department after Craig Monahan retired.
“Today marks a significant moment in my career, one that fills me with both pride and humility,” the new chief remarked at the time. “As I accept the esteemed position of chief of police, I’m deeply honored by the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional police department.”
Borkowski earned a finance degree from Seton Hall University before going into law enforcement. A 1996 graduate of the Gloucester County Police Academy, he began his career with the Amtrak police department in Philadelphia. In April 1998, he joined the Monroe department and was assigned to the patrol division.
Borkowski served as a DARE and L.E.A.D officer for more than 15 years, and in March 1999, he was assigned as an original member of the department’s entry team. He was promoted to squad leader in 2010 and to team leader in 2019.
Borkowski spent four years with the department’s Community Response Unit, and in 2015, rose to the rank of patrol sergeant, overseeing the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). In 2021, he was promoted to lieutenant and oversaw both the response unit and school resource officers. Borkowski also served FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Lodge 125 in several capacities.
As chief, his main objective was community-orientated policing, recognizing the essential role law enforcement plays in safeguarding the township. Monroe police shared Borkowski’s final retirement call on its Facebook page.
“He cared deeply about everyone he worked with and the community he served,” the post stated. “We hope the chief takes full advantage of his extra time to soak in the salt air down the Shore and unwind while enjoying his favorite pastime on the water. Congratulations, sir!”
