Rumson Mourns Retired Police Captain William ‘Bill’ Brush

Retired Rumson Police Captain Bill Brush
Photos/Rumson PD

Rumson is in mourning over the passing of retired Police Captain William “Bill” Brush.

An announcement from the police department and many memories and wishes of thanks and condolence flooded social media.

“Rumson Police Department is sad to announce the passing of Retired Police Captain, William P. Brush, who died on March 20, 2022,” the police department announcement said. “Captain Brush started his career with the Rumson Police Department in 1971 and retired in 2001 after 30 years of service. Bill was also a member of the Rumson First Aid Squad, joining in 1972.”

Retired Rumson Police Captain Bill Brush
Photo/Victor Brush via Facebook

“The fight is over, as of late last night my brother Bill Brush passed away,” brother Victor said in a post dated March 21 at 8:30 a.m.. “Thank you all for your prayers and love. One of Rumson’s finest men in Blue.”

Very sorry to hear this,” said RFHer Chris Brenner of the news. He was an honorary ‘coach’ of the football team, he did a great job of being respected by all the kids in town.”

“He will be missed,” said Jill Halligan. “I loved when he would come into Butlers in the 90’s when he was on shift.”

And the messages of sorrow and condolence streamed on …

More about Captain Bill Brush from his obituary, prepared by family …

Born in Teaneck to Edward and Josephine Brush, the family moved to Rumson in 1946, where Bill spent his school years.

He played on the undefeated 1959 RFH football team that is still the only undefeated football team in the school’s history.

“Bill was an Air Force veteran serving 1961-1965. Bill started his career in law enforcement as a patrolman 1971 and rose to the rank of Captain He retired in 2001. He also joined Rumson EMS in 1972 …
One of his many and most rewarding assignments was Juvenile Officer, where he worked to mentor and rehab those who may have wandered astray. During that time he also worked security for Bruce Springsteen and Brink’s where he responsible for carrying high value shipments around the world. Immediately following his retirement, he worked for the NYPD after 09/11/01 at Ground Zero … A lifelong sports fan, NY Yankees, Giants, Knicks, and Rangers, he followed all sports including Norte Dame, and, of course, RFH Football. His other loves include golf and boating on the Navesink River, spending “Sundays at the Cross” with family and friends relaxing and sharing his great sense of humor and
recounting all his stories.”
Loved ones of Retired Rumson Police Captain Bill Brush in his obituary

Bill is survived by: his wife and companion of more than 57 years, Dzintra “Diz” Brush; his two beloved daughters, Tammy Marie Heitmann (Joseph), and Kimberley Anna Brush; two grandaughters, Carli Brush Stoll and Jessica Amber Heitmann; a brother, Victor Brush (Sherry); nephew, Alex Loce (Teresa); and his loveable Westies, Captain and Eli.

There will be a memorial gathering on Friday, April 1, from 3 to 7 p.m. and a celebration of life prayer service at 6 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org