Retired cop will work as link to seniors, senator

Retired cop will work as
link to seniors, senator

LAKEWOOD — After years of working with the New York Police Department, Lakewood resident Joe DiMattina has heard everything. Now retired, DiMattina has a new task: listening to his peers and working to help them.

State Sen. Robert Singer of Lakewood announced that DiMattina will join his staff at the District 30 legislative office in Jackson as an aide to the district’s senior citizen community.

DiMattina’s job is to listen to any concerns seniors may have and to help come up with answers.

"I want the seniors to know that I am here to help with any problems they may encounter," he said. "No problem is too big or too small."

For instance, DiMattina remembers one 82-year-old resident who came to him for help.

"This person had no way to change a light bulb that had burned out in his house," he said. "We called the maintenance department of his retirement community and arranged to have it replaced. It sounds very simple, but this person was essentially living in the dark. As I said, no problem is too big or too small."

DiMattina said he is excited about his new role and praised Singer for getting the ball rolling.

"Sen. Singer is very into the senior community," said DiMattina. "His vision was that this program would open up a wave of dialogue between senior citizens and township officials that would benefit both parties."

DiMattina has been an activist for Lakewood issues — property-tax reform in particular. He is a member of the property-tax reform panel which recently held a hearing on the subject.

"Joe will provide an open ear to many of the issues that concern our constituency," Singer said. "He has demonstrated in the past that he has the communication skills necessary to deal with the concerns that impact our residents and to explore all feasible resolutions to the problems."

DiMattina said he plans to visit the District 30 legislative office one day a week, but he encouraged seniors with questions to contact him at any time. He can be reached at (732) 901-0702.

In addition to his new duties at the legislative office, DiMattina is president of the men’s club at The Fairways. He has been married to his wife, Geri, for 43 years, and they have two children. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and was formerly a sergeant-squad commander with the New York Police Department.

"I am trying to make seniors aware that if they have a problem, question or concern, they can feel free to contact me, and I will try my best to help them," DiMattina said. "The best part about my job is that it is not a political service; it is just me helping people who may not know where to turn for help. I think it is wonderful that Bob (Singer) had the foresight to think of this."

— Cindy Tietjen