NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) —Retired Newton Police Lt. Michael Monaco, who served the department for more than 25 years and continued working for the town after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, died Feb. 14. He was 55.
The Newton Police Department announced Monaco’s passing with “profound sadness,” noting his decades of service and lasting impact on the agency and community.
Born Oct. 19, 1970, Monaco began his public safety career as a dispatcher for Andover Township from 1990 to 1993. During that time, he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Bloomfield College.
In 1993, he joined Newton as a Class II special law enforcement officer and was hired full time as a patrol officer in 1995. He graduated from the 193rd Basic Class for Police Officers at the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt.
Over the course of his career, Monaco served in the Detective Bureau and rose through the ranks to sergeant and later lieutenant. He retired in 2021 after more than 25 years with the department.
Monaco also held several specialized assignments, including serving on the Sussex County Narcotics Task Force. He was a firearms instructor, field training officer and the department’s first Drug Recognition Expert. Police officials said he mentored younger officers and set high professional standards throughout his tenure.
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021, Monaco retired from the police department. Despite his illness, he continued to serve the town as its code enforcement director until his death.
In a statement, the department reflected on his career and legacy.
“Lieutenant Monaco leaves behind more than a resume of accomplishments, he leaves a legacy,” the department said. “He shaped careers, strengthened this department, and helped define the professionalism and character of the Newton Police Department as it stands today. His impact will be felt for generations of officers to come.”
“Lieutenant Monaco, your watch has ended. We will carry it from here.”
