May 2026
NJSACOP RETIRED MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT: CHIEF JOHN ZEBROWSKI, SAYREVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
NJSACOP is spotlighting retired police chiefs who have moved on to successful careers in other professions. In this edition, we highlight Chief John Zebrowski.
“ After 35 years in law enforcement, I learned that service doesn’ t stop at retirement— it just looks different.”
John Zebrowski served with the Sayreville Police Department for 35 years, with 12 of those as Chief of Police. Chief Zebrowski serves as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Extra Duty Solutions, as well as Council President in Sayreville. He is also co-host of the ChiefTalk podcast, which the NJSACOP produces for its members.
What job skills did you develop as a police chief that you now use in your career?
Over the course of my 35 years— and especially during my time as chief— I developed strong leadership, problemsolving, and communication skills that I rely on every day.
What are you most proud of from your years of police work?
Mentoring officers and seeing the department steadily move forward with our goals centered on professionalism, accountability, and providing the best possible service to the community.
What drew you to your current career?
I’ m able to use my experience as a former chief to help departments navigate the administrative and operational challenges that come with managing off-duty programs. It felt like a natural extension of my career— still serving law enforcement, just from a different seat at the table.
What advice would you give to police chiefs on the brink of retirement who are considering future career paths?
Don’ t sell yourself short. After decades in law enforcement, it’ s easy to underestimate how valuable your experience truly is. Take time to reflect on what parts of the job you enjoyed most, talk with others who’ ve already made the transition, and don’ t feel rushed to make a decision.
NJSACOP Program Calendar
What was the most challenging part of transitioning from law enforcement to your current career?
After decades of late-night phone calls and being on call around the clock, the quiet takes some getting used to. I also missed the day-to-day camaraderie built with peers over years of working together.
New Jersey Police Chief Magazine / 34