Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten...

New Jersey Transit Police Inspector Robert Noble

From 1995 until his passing in 2023, Inspector Noble served NJ TRANSIT and the NJTPD with honor and distinction. Inspector Noble began his decorated service in our Patrol Division. He supported the frontlines to protect you, the State of New Jersey, and the NJ TRANSIT system. Following his patrol service, Inspector Noble worked in various assignments throughout the state. This includes Police Sergeant, Supervisor of Emergency Management, Police Lieutenant, Officer in Charge of Special Operations, Police Captain, Commanding Officer of Special Operations, Police Inspector, and Commanding Officer of Administration.

Inspector Noble was also a member of the NJ Task force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team, a member of the NJ Police Honor Legion, an original member of the UASI Law Enforcement Group and the NY Penn & Tunnel System Emergency Response Committee.
His 28 years of decorated service included a Meritorious Duty Award for display of courage in the face of danger, a Police Commendation Award, a Chief’s Recognition Award, a Unit Citation Award, and additional accolades. Inspector Noble was also a former President and Delegate of PBA Local 304.

At our department, Inspector Noble will be remembered for his commitment, his leadership, and his outstanding service. 

Final salute: NJTPD Facebook

EOC dedication: NJTPD Facebook

New Jersey Transit Police Captain Alfonse Imperiale

Captain Alfonse Imperiale joined the New Jersey Transit Police Department in 1983 and served until 2007. Prior to his service with NJTPD, he served with both the Penn Central and Conrail Police Departments. At NJTPD, Captain Imperiale served as the commanding Officer of District 2- Newark Penn Station until his retirement.

New Jersey Transit Police Officer Brendan Burke

Officer Burke joined our department on April 22, 2002. During his early years of service, Burke worked to protect the public in multiple NJTPD patrol districts. This includes his patrol assignments in District 2, District 3, and District 4. He later served as a field training officer and ensured our newest patrol officers were the absolute best that they could be.

In 2016, Burke was assigned to the Intelligence Section. Here, he assisted in the coordination of intelligence for our NJTPD counterterrorism, crime prevention, and suppression missions. Despite being behind the scenes in the Intelligence Section, Burke was honored with a unit citation award. He had assisted in reviewing approximately 10,800 hours of video footage to help track the movements of a terrorist. That terrorist was responsible for placing devices in the area of Elizabeth Train Station.

Before his passing in 2023, Officer Burke served in our Central Communications Center and answered your emergency calls. At our department, Burke will be remembered for his dedication, his constantly cheerful demeanor, and his professionalism.

Final Salute: NJTPD Facebook

New Jersey Transit Police Detective Alexis Melendez

Early during his career, Melendez was assigned to NJTPD Patrol District 2 in Newark. His outstanding police work shined, and he was later assigned to a plain clothes capacity. As a plain clothes officer, Melendez blended amongst the traveling public and took countless actions to protect commuters and ensure safety.

In 2012, Melendez was assigned to the DEA Task Force. There, he helped to reduce the supply of illegal drugs and deterred drug related violence and criminal activity. Melendez was appointed to the position of Detective in April 2021. Despite Detective Melendez’s DEA assignment, protecting the traveling public remained his area of expertise. He continuously deployed to help our department protect mass travel events including NFL games, concerts, and more. He served faithfully until his passing.

New Jersey Transit Police K9 Officer George Sykowski

Officer Sykowski joined NJTPD on January 11, 1993. Throughout his dedicated career, Officer Sykowski remained committed to protecting the traveling public, the NJ TRANSIT system, and our state.

His exemplary service included years as a K9 Officer with the NJTPD K9 Unit. Together with his K9 partners, (K9 Irving 2003-2012), and K9 Nitro (2013-2015), Officer Sykowski conducted thousands of explosive sweeps throughout the statewide system. 

New Jersey Transit Police Detective George Kuhn

At the creation of our Department in 1983; George Kuhn transferred to serve from the Conrail Police Department. His service continued for many dedicated years and included his appointment to Detective. Detective George Kuhn diligently protected the system and the traveling public until his retirement in 2001. 

New Jersey Transit Police Lieutenant Piero Di Benedetto

Lieutenant Di Benedetto was born in Durban, South Africa, and emigrated to the United States with his family in 1969. Lieutenant Di Benedetto joined the New Jersey Transit Police Department in November 1988. He served to protect the traveling public and provided sound leadership for NJTPD officers for many faithful years.

New Jersey Transit Police Lieutenant Wayne Dawes

In 1998, Lieutenant Dawes began his NJTPD service and his vigilant protection of the traveling public.
In 2002, Dawes was promoted to the rank of police sergeant. In 2008, Dawes was promoted as police lieutenant. His dedicated service concluded upon his retirement in 2017.