Officer served Marlboro Township with dignity for two decades

The other day I received a phone call that someone had passed away. That someone was Cpl. Robert Tossie Sr. of the Marlboro Police Department.

Bob Tossie was not your ordinary police officer. Although he did not live in Marlboro, it was his hometown. A dedicated public servant for [more than] 20 years, Bob knew how to enforce the laws but at the same time gave true meaning to “community policing.”

Bob was that “happy officer,” as my daughter would call him, directing traffic at the Marlboro Middle School, Marlboro High School or enforcing traffic laws in the township. Bob was always fair, polite and respectful to all.

Unfortunately today many of his attributes are missing in some of our newer law enforcement officials.

In today’s heightened state of awareness, we sometimes forget that being fair and respectful both as a citizen and police officer can be accomplished while still properly enforcing the laws of the land.

In the over 20 years I have lived in Marlboro, it was a pleasure knowing Bob. I will miss that smile when I waved to him while he was directing traffic. I will also miss seeing flashing red lights in my rearview mirror not to get a summons, only to find out it was Bob pulling me over to say hello. I am proud and privileged to have called him a friend. He will be missed.

Mark Freedman

Marlboro