JACKSON – Captain Thomas Hratko said goodbye to the Jackson Police Department after 23 years. As of September 26, Capt. Hratko has retired from the force.
Hratko served four years in the United States Marine Corps before moving on to serve Jackson Township for the next 23 years. Graduating from Jackson Memorial High School in 1987, Hratko earned degrees in in Business Administration from Ocean County College, Criminal Justice and Minor in Sociology from Rutgers University, and Administrative Science from Farleigh Dickinson University.
Moving on to the Marine Corps, Capt. Hratko was a Marine Corporal, serving as an Infantry Squad Leader 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Hratko also participated in Operation Sharp Edge, a non-combatant Operation in Liberia.
Hratko made his way up the ranks from uniformed patrol officer, to patrol sergeant with the Bravo Platoon, patrol lieutenant with the Bravo Platoon, and the Commander of the Professional Standards Unit. Not only this, but he also received the Veterans Recognition Ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon and a Unit Citation.
Hratko noted that serving “alongside his brother officers in NYC shortly after 9/11, and leading a team of fellow officers in rewriting the department’s core values and mission statement,” was one of the highlights of his career with the force.
“I am sure I speak not only for the men and women of the Jackson Township Police Department, but on behalf of the entire community when I say “thank you” for your faithful service to Jackson Township, and to the United States. May you enjoy a long, healthy and prosperous retirement from law enforcement, and as you continue to serve our nation,” stated Chief Matthew D. Kunz.
Hratko’s retirement comes out of his military deployment as a Senior Enlisted Leader with the NCIS Naval Reserve, North East Field Office, forward deployed with a Naval Task Force.
