Medford Township Police Chief Arthur Waterman (right) retires after 27 years of service. He became chief in 2021.
After 27 years of dedicated service to the Medford Township Police Department, Chief Arthur Waterman is retiring.
“Thank You, Chief,” a post stated on the Medford Township Police Department’s Facebook page on Aug. 8.
In July, Waterman oversaw his final swearing in ceremony that saw the promotions of Lt. Joseph Canuso, Sgt. Gregory Blash and Sgt. Kendall Kiernan and hiring of Emma and Grace Jensen as Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEO) I.
“I want to thank the men and women of the Medford Township Police Department for the work that they do day in and day out to provide a safe environment for our residents and also provide support for our various community policing initiatives that engage our residents and helping us gain partnerships we have throughout the town,” he said, adding the officers “exemplify integrity, respect and care.”
At the meeting, Waterman touched on the recent police foundation initiative that he is “very, very proud of.”
“…It’s at fruition, but the real strength of it is coming soon,” he said. “It’s a charitable foundation that [works] outside the boundaries of the municipal budget with donations, fundraising to then fund programs for our community members, our youth as well as support the men and women of the Medford Township Police Department.
“It is an initiative that I’m very, very proud of, it’s something that we worked very, very hard on and hope [to continue] for many years to come,” he said.
Waterman joined the Medford Township Police Department on June 6, 1998 and was assigned to the patrol division, according to his biography on the township website. In January 2002, he was appointed a detective and was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau. In January 2003, he was assigned as a corporal, and served in the patrol division as a secondary supervisor of a patrol squad. In August 2006, Waterman was promoted to sergeant and was assigned to the direct supervision of day-to-day operations of a patrol squad; he also managed the Firearms Unit as the supervising firearms instructor and was appointed assistant team leader of the Special Response Team.
In March 2009, Waterman was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned to command the day-to-day operations of the Field Operations Bureau which consists of the patrol, traffic, canine, and firearms units. In August 2015, he assumed command of the Criminal Investigations Bureau which consists of detectives and school resource officers as well as the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Administrative Bureau. On July 1, 2021 he was promoted to chief of police.
Throughout his career, Waterman has participated in several specialized units. He was a veteran member of the Firearms Unit, Medford Township Special Response Team, and Honor Guard. Waterman has received several awards and commendations throughout his career. Waterman currently possesses a master’s degree in public safety administration from the University of Virginia, a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Thomas A. Edison State College and an associate’s degree in business administration from Gloucester County College. He is a 2015 graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 262nd session and a 2010 graduate of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership program.
As department members said their farewells, they noted Waterman’s “leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment” and said he has been more than a chief.
“… You’ve been a mentor, a steady hand, and a friend,” they stated in the Facebook post. “Whether it was leading from the front during critical incidents or sharing stories back at the station, your presence made this department stronger and this town safer.
“As you head into your well-earned retirement (and hopefully hit a few straight shots on the golf course), know that your legacy will continue to inspire those still wearing the badge.
“You may be stepping away from the uniform, but you’ll always be part of the Medford PD family.
“Thank you, Chief. Wishing you nothing but the best in this next chapter.”
