By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
After a quarter century of serving and protecting the Pennsauken community, Chief Philip Olivo is retiring from the Pennsauken Police Department. Pennsauken’s first responders, Township officials, and municipal staff honored Chief Olivo during a special “walkout” ceremony in September.
Several members of Township Committee and the Pennsauken Police Department took the opportunity to speak about the substantial impact Chief Olivo has had on the community.
“Today is a special day for the Pennsauken Police Department, for our community, for the Olivo family, and certainly for me. I’ve had the privilege of standing at this podium for a lot of important moments as mayor. But I can tell you, this one is different,” said Pennsauken Mayor Patrick Olivo. “Because today, I’m not just standing here as the mayor of Pennsauken Township. I’m standing here as Phil’s brother. And trying to put into words what his career has meant to me, to our family, and to this community, isn’t easy. For so many years, I’ve watched my brother put on this uniform and come to work with one purpose, to serve the community that we both call home.
“Chief Olivo, on behalf of Township Committee and the entire Pennsauken community, thank you for your years of dedicated service. And Phil, from your little brother, thank you for making our family proud.”
Chief Philip Olivo was hired by the Pennsauken Police Department as a full-time police officer on June 25, 2001, and was assigned to the patrol division. Chief Olivo joined the detective division on December 28, 2009, where he investigated several high-profile cases throughout town. On March 21, 2014, he was promoted to detective sergeant. Due to his hard work and dedication, he was promoted to detective lieutenant on November 1, 2018. He continued to advance through his career and was promoted to captain on April 6, 2020. On July 1, 2021, he was promoted to chief. During that time, he moved the Pennsauken Police Department forward with the implementation of body-worn cameras, the updated use of force, and pursuit policies.
“When I think about the Chief, the word that hits me the most is leadership. Leadership is the art of guiding, inspiring, and influencing individuals or groups to achieve a common goal or a shared vision. If that’s not word for word for what he’s meant to Pennsauken, I don’t know what is,” added Pennsauken Township Committeeman and past Public Safety Director Marco DiBattista. “The police department and our other first responders are the backbone of our community. And to have a guy like Chief Olivo take this department to such a high level, we’re thankful beyond words.
“When we had the Chief step in and take this role over, it was apparent to me and to everybody else that his number one goal was to protect the Pennsauken community. So Chief, on that note, I personally thank you, and I wish you nothing but the best.”
“The true measure of a leader isn’t how they perform when everything is going well. It’s how they respond when circumstances are at their hardest,” continued Township Administrator Tim Killion. “Phil, you were certainly thrown into a difficult situation when you became chief. But you didn’t hesitate. You stepped up when the department and the Township needed you most. For that, we will always be grateful and always respect the commitment and unwavering effort you gave to the department and Pennsauken.
“To Trish and the boys, thank you for sharing Phil with us for the last 25 years. Thank you for your support, patience, and sacrifice.
“We’re happy that we are able to give our police chief the proper walkout and recognition he deserves today. It meant a great deal that Phil be recognized for stepping up when he was needed, shepherding this department through a period of uncertainty and change, and preparing the department for the changing landscape of police work.”
“It is my honor to speak to you today on behalf of Garden State Lodge #3 and the men and women of this department as we recognize Chief Philip Olivo and celebrate his retirement,” said Sgt. Michael Ciaccia, lodge president. “Chief, this is about more than the end of your career. It’s about recognizing a lifetime of service, the sacrifices and dedication to this department and to the Pennsauken community you have sworn to protect.
“A police career is not an easy one. It demands long hours, difficult decisions, personal sacrifice, and the willingness to put others before yourself. Throughout your career, you have answered that call. You have led this department through good days and difficult ones, and you have left your mark on the people and officers you have served alongside.”
“Twenty-five years of service. What an incredible accomplishment. For the last five of those years, you’ve carried the tremendous responsibility of serving as chief,” continued Captain Michael Killion, who is serving as acting chief of the department. “You are the first appointed chief in our careers to receive a celebration like this, and that speaks to the respect and appreciation people have for you. You should be proud of that and everything you accomplished.
“Being chief isn’t always easy. It comes with long days, difficult decisions, tremendous responsibility, and plenty of challenges that most people never see. Through it all, you continue to show up, lead this department, support our officers, and serve the residents of Pennsauken. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to share a lot of experiences with Phil. His legacy goes far beyond his title as chief. It’s about the people he’s helped, the officers he’s mentored, the relationships he’s built, and the impact he’s had on this department and the community.”
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with Phil in two very important capacities: as an elected member of the Township Committee and as Pennsauken’s Director of Public Safety. In both roles, I have come to appreciate not only his knowledge and dedication, but the person he is,” said Township Committeewoman and Public Safety Director Jessica Rafeh. “Throughout his career, Phil has helped guide the police department through changes, challenges, and countless moments where our residents needed to know that their police department was there for them. His leadership and dedication have helped keep Pennsauken safe, and his contributions to our community will continue to be felt long after his retirement.
“I always knew I could call Phil day or night. He always made himself available. That willingness to be there for others is something I have always appreciated about him. And it is a quality that is truly special. Over the years, Phil has become someone I have enjoyed knowing personally and someone I will genuinely miss working with. I sincerely hope that in return, you always felt supported and respected by all of us.”
In his closing remarks, Chief Olivo thanked all those in attendance, not only the guest speakers, but also Pennsauken Township Committee, the members of Town Watch, representatives from the Camden County Association of Chiefs of Police, Township employees, and his civilian and support staff, among others.
“Everyone here has been a part of the success of myself and our department. Thank you for coming out. This is truly humbling.”
He also shared his admiration for the officers serving the Pennsauken community.
“I could not be more proud of you. You’ve all done a phenomenal job, and you’ve provided the highest level of service to our community. I’m excited for all of you and your future,” said Chief Olivo. “I feel comfortable walking away. I know you’ve got this.”
Chief Olivo also expressed his true appreciation for his family.
“Without your help and support, I would never have been able to do this job. I wouldn’t be here,” said Olivo. “It’s demanding on your family to get to this level. Now I get to give you the attention that you deserve.”
The ceremony closed out with Chief Olivo’s final radio call, with the dispatcher expressing Pennsauken’s appreciation for this dedicated public servant.
“As Chief Olivo begins this well-deserved next chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for his years of service, sacrifice, and leadership. Thank you, Chief Olivo, for 25 years of protecting, serving, and leading our community. Congratulations on your retirement, Chief. May the years ahead be filled with happiness, good health, and plenty of well-deserved time to enjoy life beyond a badge with your family. We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.”
Badge #167 is signed off for the final time. Congratulations, Chief.
