The Jackson Township Police Department held a walk-out ceremony on Tuesday, July 1, celebrating the distinguished careers of Lieutenant Michael Friedman and Sergeant Darin “DMac” McClain as they officially retired from the force.
Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at town hall to honor both officers, who have collectively served the Jackson community for decades with professionalism and dedication.
Lieutenant Michael Friedman began his public safety path after growing up in a military family, living in locations across the United States and Europe before graduating high school in Texas in 1995. He returned to New Jersey in 1997, working security positions at Six Flags Great Adventure, Sears, and Johnson & Johnson.
In 2000, Lt. Friedman was hired by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, working at the Albert C. Wagner Correctional Facility for four years. He then joined the Department of Defense Police at Fort Dix in 2004, before achieving his long-term goal of joining the Jackson Police Department in 2006.
Over nearly two decades with the department, Lt. Friedman served as a patrol officer on all shifts, was promoted to sergeant in 2015, and later to lieutenant in 2024. His leadership roles included overseeing the department’s Communications Division, serving as Acting Captain of the Uniformed Services Division, and leading the Professional Standards Division.
Lt. Friedman was also a certified Drug Recognition Expert, a Municipal Counterterrorism Coordinator, and the department’s liaison for overdose prevention efforts. Earlier this year, he spearheaded autism awareness training for the entire department. Among his honors were the Life Saving Award, Unit Citation, and Good Conduct Ribbon.
Sergeant Darin McClain, a lifelong resident of Jackson Township, graduated from Jackson Memorial High School in 1992, excelling in multiple sports. He went on to earn an associate’s degree from Ocean County College and began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the University of Medicine and Dentistry Police Department, now part of Rutgers University.
He completed the Somerset County Police Academy and received specialized training in crisis intervention and domestic violence instruction. Sgt. McClain joined the Jackson Police Department in 1998, working all shifts and contributing as a Physical Training Instructor, helping both recruits and fellow officers maintain fitness standards.
Promoted to sergeant in 2021, Sgt. McClain served on the midnight platoon Charlie 2 squad, later transferring to the Charlie 1 squad, where he remained until retirement. Colleagues praised his positive personality and ability to connect across generations within the department.
In farewell remarks, the department thanked both Lt. Friedman and Sgt. McClain for their years of commitment and wished them and their families all the best in retirement.
