Members of the Jackson Township Police Department gathered with family and friends at Jackson Town Hall on Friday, January 2, for a walk-out ceremony marking the retirements of Police Sergeant Michael “Lil’ Mike” Grochowski and Police Lieutenant Fred Meabe, concluding decades of combined service to the department and the community.
Sergeant Michael “Lil’ Mike” Grochowski
Michael Grochowski began his law-enforcement career in 1992 as a corrections officer at the Hudson County Jail, later serving with the federal prison system and the New Jersey Department of Corrections at Yardville Correctional Facility. He joined the Jackson Township Police Department as a full-time officer in 1998 and graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy with the High Overall Award for excellence in physical training, academics, and firearms.
During his tenure, Grochowski served across all patrol shifts, worked as a Field Training Officer, and was a member of the Special Response Team for both Jackson Township and the Ocean County Regional Team. He also assisted with search-and-rescue operations at the World Trade Center following the September 11 attacks. Promoted to sergeant in 2018, he later served on the department’s firearms unit, as a physical training instructor, and as a defensive tactics instructor.
Grochowski was widely recognized for community engagement, including volunteer efforts to build a wheelchair ramp for a disabled resident and participation in cancer-awareness initiatives. He organized the department’s involvement with the “Jakes Got This” charity supporting Jake Kulesa, a Jackson resident diagnosed in infancy with cerebral palsy. His awards include Officer of the Year (2008 and 2012), PBA Member of the Year (2016), Supervisor of the Year (2018), and induction into the Jackson Alumni Hall of Fame in 2016.
Lieutenant Fred Meabe
Fred Meabe began his law-enforcement career in 1996 as a Class II special officer in Jackson Township before joining the New Jersey Department of Corrections as a senior corrections officer. He was hired as a full-time Jackson Township police officer in 2001 and served on all patrol shifts.
Throughout his career, Meabe worked as a Field Training Officer and Special Response Team member, and was assigned to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group, participating in major narcotics investigations. Promoted to sergeant in 2015, he served as shift commander, gang intelligence supervisor, and public information officer, expanding the department’s social-media presence. He also led the Jackson Police/PBA Honor Guard for several years.
Meabe was promoted to lieutenant in April 2024, overseeing multiple platoons and squads. During this period, he played a key role in implementing the department’s ongoing uniform transition aimed at improving officer comfort and adaptability. His recognitions include two Meritorious Police Service Ribbons, an Officer of the Year award, and a 200 Club award. He was also closely associated with the Jackson PBA’s annual Pig Roast, coordinating the community event for a decade.