Retired Jersey City Police Detective Tim Dowd reveled in memories and friends recently when all gathered at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands to celebrate his 80th birthday. The detective joined the force in 1973, rose to detective in 1985 and retired from the force in 1994. He has been a resident of Lakewood for the past 13 years.
Having his 80th birthday celebration at the Shore Casino was a must for the active officer who recalls the many celebrations hosted by Bernie and Kathleen Sweeney at the Casino in the Park which they owned in Jersey City prior to also owning the Shore Casino. Active with the retired Police Officers Association for decades, Dowd said that every social event has been held at the Sweeney’s establishment since 1966, so it was inevitable his own personal celebration would be held there as well. He has been involved with the planning of the annual police celebration event since its inception.
More than 60 family and friends came to help celebrate the birthday occasion, and shower thanks and congratulations on the octogenarian for all the work he has done in numerous areas of assistance to others, but primarily with the PAL and the Police Officers Association where he serves as secretary and works with the police and is also secretary of the fire group.
Although admitting he’s faced numerous both intense as well as humorous situations during his career, the good-natured Dowd said he joined the force for “the pension and benefits,” and admits there are many.
Unable to serve in the military because of a deferment to care for his four sisters and single mother, Dowd also laughingly said he learned “an awful lot from women…” but also noted he has been married twice, has three daughters, along with six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Now fully retired, but still active with his friends, Dowd says he does “as little as possible,” but loves keeping in touch with the men and women with whom he has worked over the decades, because “they’re all quality people, they’re all special, and you can always learn from them…enjoy their company, too!” he concludes.
“For me, this has been a monumental occasion,” he said, once again praising the Casino staff and Kathleen Sweeney. “The food is great, the people wonderful, all my friends love it…what more is there to say?”
