Draft:Sheriff Ralph G. Froehlich
 | Draft article not currently submitted for review.
This is a draft Articles for creation (AfC) submission. It is not currently pending review. While there are no deadlines, abandoned drafts may be deleted after six months. To edit the draft click on the "Edit" tab at the top of the window. To be accepted, a draft should:
It is strongly discouraged to write about yourself, your business or employer. If you do so, you must declare it. Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
Last edited by Renfrogar (talk | contribs) 0 seconds ago. (Update) |
Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Renfrogar (talk) 14:20, 21 June 2025 (UTC)
Ralph G. Froehlich (December 31, 1930 – July 20, 2014) was an American law enforcement official who served as the Sheriff of Union County, New Jersey from 1977 until his death in 2014. At the time of his passing, he was the longest-serving sheriff in New Jersey history, holding the position for 37 consecutive years. Froehlich was known for his commitment to modernizing law enforcement practices, advocating for victims, promoting youth education, and enhancing community safety throughout Union County.
Early Life and Military Service
[edit]Froehlich was born on December 31, 1930. He served in the United States Marine Corps before beginning a career in law enforcement.
Education and Affiliations
[edit]Froehlich earned his degree from Kean College in 1975. In 1968, he attended the Northwestern University Traffic Institute. He was also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
Law Enforcement and Political Career
[edit]Elizabeth Police Department
[edit]Following his military service, Froehlich joined the Elizabeth Police Department in 1959. Over the course of nearly two decades, he rose through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. His time in the department established his reputation as a dedicated and capable officer.
Political Career and Rise to Sheriff
[edit]In 1976, Froehlich was elected to the Elizabeth City Council. The following year, he successfully ran for Sheriff of Union County, defeating political opposition from the local party establishment. His victory, despite being "bitterly opposed by the county boss," marked the beginning of a four-decade-long tenure as sheriff.
Union County Sheriff
[edit]Froehlich served 13 consecutive terms as Sheriff, becoming the longest-tenured sheriff in New Jersey history. His tenure was marked by innovative programs, inter-agency collaboration, and community outreach initiatives.
He instituted a nationally recognized fingerprinting program for children and developed educational materials, including videos and pamphlets, to help youth understand how to stay safe and avoid the dangers of firearms. He was responsible for distributing the "Play It Safe" booklet, and assisted with a state-sponsored gun buyback program for Union County residents.
In an effort to improve operational efficiency, Froehlich implemented a municipal transportation program that assisted local police departments with transporting prisoners to and from jail—allowing municipal officers to remain in their communities.
In 1993, he launched the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (S.L.A.P.), an alternative sentencing initiative for nonviolent offenders. Participants performed supervised work details in all 21 Union County municipalities. The program has been credited with saving millions of taxpayer dollars in incarceration and labor costs.
Froehlich was also a strong advocate for victims of domestic violence. He accelerated the processing of restraining orders and introduced a support pamphlet titled "You Are Not Alone". Under his leadership, the county established a Domestic Violence Unit, a Missing Persons Unit, and a K-9 Search and Rescue Unit.
Each summer, Froehlich hosted the Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy, a program designed to introduce students to careers in law enforcement and build positive relationships between youth and public safety officials.
Professional Affiliations
[edit]Froehlich served four terms as president of the New Jersey Sheriff's Association. He also served as president of the New Jersey County Officers Association, and was a member of the Sheriff/Judicial Liaison Court Security Committee. Beyond law enforcement, he served on the boards of the Salvation Army and the Urban League.
Legacy and Death
[edit]Ralph Froehlich died on July 20, 2014, at the age of 83. His passing was widely mourned across the state. U.S. Senator Cory Booker referred to him as a "dedicated public servant" who "committed his life to making New Jersey communities safer." Public officials, law enforcement agencies, and residents paid tribute to his service through memorials and a formal farewell procession.
Personal Life
[edit]Froehlich was an avid gardener and was affectionately called “Farmer Froehlich” by his wife of nearly 20 years, Marlene, who survived him. He was also survived by two daughters from a previous marriage, Debra Kurzawski of Clark and Lora Froehlich of Roselle Park, as well as seven grandchildren.
References
[edit]