Retiring Hamburg policeman looks back on long career

Officer proud to be a part of the community, Kelly Burke Hamburg — “At first, you hear the sound of the siren, the roar of the engine, then your heart pounding in your chest. All the training and experience you have runs through your mind and you ask God for whatever help He can give. The EMS and paramedics arrive, then the fire personnel. There is nothing more overwhelming than the sound of ripping steel from the cutting of the Jaws of Life, the screaming and crying of the injured — the barking of commands of EMS needing more help, the sounds of a Medevac helicopter overhead. As the first responder you have to let those sounds disappear and continue to perform as you have been trained.” Those are the words of Police Sgt. Thomas Spinner, who began his career in law enforcement at age 19. This year he will retire from the Hamburg Police force, where he’s worked for more than 20 years. A 1972 graduate of Sussex Tech, his initial ambition was to become a New Jersey State Trooper. Instead, he’s worked with local forces, including Byram and Mt. Olive, prior to Hamburg. Spinner says he remembers fondly the invaluable on-the-job training he received in his early years from officers he rode with, including Chief Skip Danielson, who is now the head of the county’s division of Emergency Management. Of Danielson he says, “He saw something in me.” When Spinner first started with the Hamburg police department, in the late 1980s, there were only four officers, including the chief. “It was a growing department with many budget restraints,” he recalls. “The first aid squad was attached to the building and every time the ambulance started, the station would fill with fumes.” Memories “I have seen many children grow from birth to adulthood, talking with many as they walked to and from school.” Of the many, one incident stands out as a “particular cherished memory.” It was the time “a man in his early 20s came to the station and thanked me for the hope I had given him during a family crisis as a boy.” Adding it all up, Spinner says: “I am full of riches, from the friendships formed with the neighboring towns assisting, to the community I served.” And the feeling is mutual. Akef Abuabeid, owner of a local bagel store, was eager to share his experiences with Sgt. Spinner. Abuabeid said he was in the process of moving into his new home when a patrol car pulled out behind him and began to follow him; it was 1 a.m. As he pulled into his drive, Sgt. Spinner pulled in behind him. After learning about his unfamiliarity with the roads, Sgt. Spinner welcomed him to the neighborhood. “It was then I knew I was in a good town, with good people,” Abuabeid said. “Spinner is a wonderful man with a good heart. He cares; he just doesn’t give tickets. I’ve heard plenty of the same stories from the parents who live here.” Another Hamburg resident, Glenn Nyman, appreciates the efforts of Spinner and the entire Hamburg Police force, saying he feels safe and protected in his town of Hamburg. Working with the community has been a big part of the job. Spinner says his most fulfilling accomplishment was as a department liaison for Community Response Team, an organization consisting mostly of women, who respond during all hours of the night to domestic violence incidents. “He is a valuable member of the police force, his experience and dedication served the town well,” said Mayor Paul Marino. “He will be missed.” Parting words Sgt. Spinner’s advice to those just beginning a career in law enforcement: Take the job to help others and set your goals and morals at the beginning. Never lower them, only improve them, and your career will be fulfilling. As for Sgt. Spinner, who spent countless days away from his family, he’s looking forward to his son’s retirement gift - his first grandchild. Spinner’s last day on the Hamburg Police force will be Jan. 1, 2010, and according to Mark Sena, Police Commissioner, Chief Jan Wright is expecting an abundance of applicants for two reasons, the economy and job status. The qualifications, specified by Wright are: 60 or more credits from an accredited school, two years active military, four years national reserve, completion of police academy or four years experience as a police officer. The annual salary: $41, 244 for someone without experience and $49,735 for an experienced officer.