Township Mourns Loss of Former Chief

COURT HOUSE — William Hevener of North Cape May, a retired Middle Township police officer who rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police, passed away Tues., March 20.
The 65-year-old Hevener, was a lifetime resident of in Middle Township. A veteran of the Navy, he was hired as a rookie police officer in 1971, made chief in 1992, and retired from that position in 2003.
“One of the things he’ll be remembered for here,” said current Middle Township Police Chief Chris Leusner, “is his success in obtaining the proper equipment that the officers needed to do their job.”
Leusner explained how prior to Hevener’s tenure as chief, officers would have to pass off flashlights and portable radios.
“During his tenure, he was pretty successful in getting Township Committee to understand and to fund equipment,” said Leusner.
Middle Township Committee agreed on Hevener’s appointment. “He was a good police officer,” said former township mayor Mike Voll.
According to Voll, Hevener was a well-rounded man who had the support of the police officers whom he supervised.
Voll reminisced that Hevener was very involved in the DARE program.
“I am saddened and set back just by talking about it,” said Voll. “He left us too young.”
During Voll’s administration, Hevener was promoted to captain then police chief. Hevener also retired during the Voll administration.
Voll said after Hevener’s retirement the former chief focused his time on his family and was active in supporting veterans’ activities.
“He really was a homebody,” said Voll. “He was a good father and a good husband.”
Hevener was involved in his children’s activities, serving as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts and a coach for Little League baseball. He was also involved in Pee Wee football.
“He’s going to be missed,” said Voll. “He wasn’t much of a socialite, but he was a good police officer.”
Hevener was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club. He served as a member of the Lower Township Regional School Board and was a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey State School Boards Association.
Flags at the Middle Township Police Department will fly at half-staff in his honor.
Hevener is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diana; and his children Ron, Steven, William and Jennifer. Three grandchildren, Ron, Jr., Taylor Lynn and Diana; as well as his brother, Harry, also survive him.
A memorial service will be held on Sat., March 24 at noon at the Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Ave., Court House. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will take place in the Cape May County Veterans’ Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Division of Development, 901 E St., NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20004-2025 or the 200 Club of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, P.O. 622, Northfield NJ 08225.