Date: Fri 13-Mar-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Qubik-police-retirement

Full Text:

A Police Sergeant Retires After 28 Years

(with cut)

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Since 1970, John Qubick has served at the Newtown Police Department, working

to set an example for young patrol officers by providing leadership and

direction for their investigations.

Sergeant Qubick, 57, has lived in Newtown for the past 56 years, having moved

here from New York State with his family in his infancy. He grew up in a house

on Hall Lane.

"Half of my life has been spent at the police department," Sgt Qubick said in

an interview this week.

Sgt Qubick's deceased stepfather, Hiram Hanlon, was the town's first

constable.

Besides his 28 years at the department, Sgt Qubick served for three years in

the Navy in an anti-submarine warfare squadron. The police department service,

coupled with his military service, brings the sergeant's combined seniority to

31 years.

Sgt Qubick has been in charge of the department's motor vehicle unit, making

sure that maintenance, inspection, and servicing is done in a timely manner.

He fields motor vehicle complaints from patrol officers, seeking to prevent

automotive mishaps before they occur. The police use the town highway garage

to service their fleet.

"I like the (Ford) Expedition very much. We needed a four-wheel-drive

(vehicle) for some time," he said of the department's recent acquisition of

the marked go-in-the-snow truck.

Besides ensuring that police vehicles are reliable, Sgt Qubick has overseen

the police department's evidence room, documenting evidence which has been

collected and safeguarding evidence in storage. Also, Sgt Qubick kept the

department's intoximeter records.

Changes

"I've seen a lot of changes," Sgt Qubick said.

"The volume of traffic is now just unbelievable," he said of the mounting

traffic on local roads.

Many large houses have been built in Newtown, he said. "Places I used to hunt

are now developments," he noted.

And the police department has grown in numbers.

During his career in local law enforcement, Sgt Qubick has served under four

commanding officers -- Resident State Trooper Sgt James Costello, Police Chief

Lou Marchese, Police Chief Michael DeJoseph, and now Police Chief James E.

Lysaght, Jr.

"I've tried to work very well with all of them," Sgt Qubick said.

A patrol officer for four years, Sgt Qubick briefly served as the youth

officer, later becoming a patrol sergeant, and then a shift commander.

"I work hand-in-hand with patrolmen in the field," providing them with

direction, he said. The sergeant said he has enjoyed explaining law

enforcement to young patrol officers.

The sergeant said he has sought to maintain a positive self-image in his work.

"I've always wanted to be a police officer. You have to be sympathetic with

people and try to understand their problems and work their problems out," he

said.

"I really enjoy living in this town," Sgt Qubick said, noting the friendliness

of residents. "When you drive up Main Street and see that flag flying, it just

gives you a good feeling."

Noting the rigors that working a rotating shift can pose to a police officer

and his family, the sergeant credits his wife, Terry, for her supportiveness

during his career in law enforcement.

"I'm going to be leaving a `family' here. I'm very sad about that... It's

going to be very difficult leaving here," Sgt Qubick said of the camaraderie

he has enjoyed with members of the police department.

Sgt Qubick said his departure will give a patrol officer an opportunity to

move up into a sergeant's post and provide leadership for the department.

"He's one of the best guys who ever worked here (and) probably, the most

dedicated person I ever met," Detective Robert Tvardzik said of Sgt Qubick.

"Jack's truly one of the most caring people you'd ever want to meet."

"I try to take very good care of myself through diet and exercise," Sgt Qubick

said.

The sergeant's interests include gardening, hunting, fishing and softball.

"I'm very content and very happy with my career here," the sergeant said of

his work at the police department, noting his last day of work will be March

20, the first day of spring.

He will then become the sextant at Newtown Trinity Episcopal Church on Main

Street and, at last, work the day shift after 24 years of rotating shifts.