Lieutenant Theodore Dima retired from the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) on June 30, 2016 after serving the community for 23 years.
Officer Dima’s first seven years had him serving in the Patrol Division, including an assignment to the Community Policing Unit and Bicycle Patrol. Patrolman Dima was then assigned to the Detective Bureau in 2001. Seven years later, Detective Dima was promoted to Patrol Sergeant. In 2012 he was assigned Detective Sergeant and two years later, in 2014, he was promoted to join the Command Staff of the Roselle Park as Patrol Lieutenant.
During his service Lieutenant Dima has been a field training officer, Community Oriented Police (COP) supervisor, communications supervisor, internal affairs investigator, and narcotics investigator.
As part of the command staff of police department, he has been tasked with finding, applying, and receiving several federal and state grants which have allowed the borough to save thousands of dollars in expenditures. He has also served as Delegate of PBA Local #27 and served on the Collective Bargaining Unit.
Lt. Dima is the recipient of many letters of gratitude and commendations from both inside and outside the Police Department for various incidents for his efforts as a individual and working as a part of a team, including a Life Saving Awards, and several Meritorious Service Awards. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001 he volunteered countless hours and days at Ground Zero while off-duty with several other members of the Roselle Park Police Department.
Police Chief Paul Morrison commented about the retiring lieutenant, “I’d like to congratulate Lt. Dima. He’s served this town in a very professional manner. He’s a dedicated professional law enforcement officer. He’s respected here by all of his fellow officers as well as the officers throughout Union County and the state. Ted, I wish you all the best in your retirement. You’re an absolute professional and you’re certainly going to be missed.”
As a show of respect, gratitude, and honor, officers and the personnel of the Roselle Park Police Department all stood at attention and saluted Lt. Dima one last time as he left headquarters on his last day as a Roselle Park police officer.
A video of Lt. Dima’s Exit Salute is available below: