Remembering Rumson Police Chief ‘Rick’ Tobias

“The Rumson Police Department is mourning the loss of Retired Chief Richard ‘Rick’ Tobias.
“For several years, Chief Tobias served as juvenile officer for the PD. His efforts changed the paths of countless members of Rumson’s youth for the better.
“Chief Tobias was known for his big heart and willingness to help anyone in need. He was a great asset to the community and will be missed.”
Rumson Police Department

It’s the story of a retired police chief, an officer on the Rumson beat for many years who passed away on Jan. 18 at 67 after a heroic battle with cancer. And there’s always an image to illustrate a story.

The image …

Retired Rumson Police Chief Rick Tobias
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Retired Rumson Police Chief Rick Tobias was the picture of a police officer. His portrait said he felt at home, content, on the beat. I got his picture, his story, through eyes and lens, very clearly when I caught a candid Chief Tobias moment on camera toward the end of his career.

It was a moment unwittingly captured at Rumson event. There was a crowd filled with cameras, officials, ribbons, glad-handing, posing and proud, toothy grand opening grins. The chief avoided the gala tenor of it all. Oh, he was present and accounted for, but representing in his own way. By just being present. No fanfare for him. No rush to stand in the glory day line-up.

Trying to make sure I got a good, complete snapshot of the scene, I stood back, removing myself from the hubbub as well. I went about trying to absorb and steal some intimate moments of a proud day in a close-knit community. That was what it was really all about. Those moments. The reason for the celebration was secondary. The real big “Cheese!” was in each leading role character at the core doing his or her thing to make it all work day after day, year after year. Their legacies. Their part. Their hearts. Not their poses.

Chief Tobias was doing his part with usual casual passion that day, making it all work. To him, that didn’t include posing and posturing. I know, because I saw it in his face on the zoom. I had stepped back. Camera lens to eye, I took a tour, face by face. Click. There it was. The picture of an unassuming chief.

I don’t know what he was looking at on his phone. No matter. It was his look that said it all. Contentment under that cap’s brim and badge. Comfort in sporting the uniform. The sage smile crinkle around his eyes. The warmth of the sun cast a day glow of undeniable power of his own place in his own heart.

It was one version of the picture so many saw in their own moments with the chief. Comments of condolence and remembrance flooded social media and Chief Tobias’ obituary. Zoom. Click. The picture is a close-up, a vivid one to the community he served for three decades. His colleagues. His friends. His family.

Chief Tobias was laid to rest today. He leaves behind his picture, panoramic and close-up: His legacy as an officer and a man who loved his family, his friends, his colleagues, his community, riding his Harley, going to AC, playing with his dogs, and spending time with his grandchildren. His snapshot. It’s a picture not meant for a dusty, dog-eared scrapbook. It’s one for the pulsing heart of a community.

More about Richard Emil Tobias Sr. from his obituary...

A Little Silver resident, Tobias began his career with the Rumson Police Department in 1983 after attending the NJ State Police Academy in Sea Girt. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to chief in 2006, retiring in 2012.

Born in Newark, he went to school in Colonia and Little Silver. He graduated from Red Bank High School in 1971. An avid swimmer, he was on the swim team in high school and was a lifeguard for many years.

It was his time as a lifeguard when he met his wife, Jenifer. Before his police work, he worked for Bendix during his younger years.

He was also volunteer member of the Rumson Fire Department.

Richard was predeceased by: his wife Jenifer, his son Adam, his parents Marion and Emil Tobias, his in-laws, Gloria and Herbert Bush, his brother-in-law Herbert Bush (Skipper).

Richard leaves behind: his children, Alicia (and her husband Adam), Richard Jr. (and his wife Heather); his grandsons, Richard Emil Tobias III (Richie) and John Herbert Tobias (Jack); his step-grandchildren Daniel and Eleese Smith; his sister Suzanne Tobias; his sister-in-law Bonnie Ciambrone; his nieces and nephews, Justin and Brian Maurer, Anthony and Anna Ciambrone, Joseph and Liz Ciambrone, Olivia and Cecilla Ciambrone, Joseph James Ciambrone (JJ).

Rest in Peace, Chief Tobias. You are remembered.