Officer Thomas Bell Retires After 25 Years of Service in Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ – On July 1, Officer Thomas Bell officially retired after more than 25 years of service as a member of the Cranford Police Department (CPD), serving in the Auto Theft Task Force, the CPD Honor Guard Unit, the CPD Special Operations Team, the CPD Bicycle Patrol Unit, and the CPD Motorcycle Unit. He was also a field training officer for many years.

Known for providing bag pipe music at special events around town, Bell also had a hand in bringing a Cranford resident into the world. In December 2021, he and Patrolman James Knight were dispatched to a 9-1-1 call for a pregnant woman in labor. As the baby’s head was already crowning, he helped deliver the healthy baby, including removing the umbilical cord that had wrapped around the baby’s neck.

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Bell received multiple awards and commendations during his career, including being named Cranford VFW Officer of the Year and receiving the Knights of Columbus Irishman Award. TV35 noted that he also served as the President of the PBA Local 52 and is a proud member of the Kenilworth Knights of Columbus, the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and was a pipe major with the Union County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums Band.

On May 30, Bell received a clap out of the Cranford Police Station, which was attended by his friends, family, and fellow officers and filmed by TV35. The Union County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums Band provided the music. “It has been a pleasure working with you,” wrote the CDP in a post, “and we wish you the best in retirement!”

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