Summit Police Mourn Loss Of Retired Officer

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Police Department is mourning the death of retired Officer Matthew Dunlevy.

The Summit Police released this touching tribute to Dulevy:

Dunlevy served the City of Summit for 27 years as a Patrol Officer. Born in Iowa, prior to joining the ranks of Summit’s finest, Officer Dunlevy honorably served with the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1981 as both an Airman First Class and Security Policeman.

In addition to his military background, Officer Dunlevy was also previously employed by the Dade County State Attorney’s Office (Florida) and the Morristown Parking Authority.

Officer Dunlevy was hired in December 1982 as a police officer and retired in 2009. Shortly after his hiring, he became instrumental with several other members of the department in spearheading the project to restore the Summit Police Pistol Range in the mid-1980s.

Throughout his career, Officer Dunlevy served in the capacities as patrol officer, detective, field training officer, within the Crime Prevention Unit and was thoroughly trained to work the desk (dispatcher).

He received countless commendations during his 27 years of service, including two commendations from the Two Hundred Club of Union County.

Shortly before his retirement, Officer Dunlevy was nominated and recognized by Chief Lucid for the Raymond Terpanick Police Valor Award in 2007. Officer Dunlevy was recognized for his heroic lifesaving efforts after a motor vehicle accident occurred on Route 78 where the occupants were ejected. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames. Officer Dunlevy recognized that there was an unconscious, severely injured victim within close proximity to the vehicle that was on fire. Officer Dunlevy utilized his patrol vehicle and was able to place the victim on the hood of his car and remove them to a safer location while waiting for the paramedics, first aid squad and fire departments to arrive.

For those that knew him, knew he was truly a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his dogs.

(Image via Summit Police Department with permission: Matthew Dunlevy)

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