After 50 years of service, Captain Thomas Maggi has retired, effective July 31, 2021.
Maggi began his career of service at the young age of 18 when he was dropped from a helicopter into the heart of the Vietnam War, after enlisting in the Navy straight out of high school. He functioned as a machine gunner on patrol boats in the “Brown Water Navy,” widely considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the war effort as they navigated enemy-occupied waterways and acted as vessels between inland rivers and open ocean to intercept enemy transports.
After four years of enlistment, Maggi returned to his hometown where he served for 36 years with the West New York Police Department. It was there that he led narcotics teams, served as the SWAT commander, and met his wife, a fellow police officer. During that time, he also served as a desk lieutenant, dealing with a variety of situations and emergencies. Maggi gained invaluable experience on how to handle most situations from his service, wisdom which the young officers and students at Stevens were most fortunate to learn from.
Maggi began the final 14 years of his career at Stevens in 2007. From his classic “Fireside Chats” with students concerning public safety, to being a popular judge in school competitions, the trust that Maggi built with the Stevens community was described to be a fundamental reason for the flourishing relationship between the campus police and the student body.
According to Robert DiGenova, Stevens Deputy Chief of Police, “Captain Maggi taught students that the police are always meant to help us and be there for students whenever there is a need. Also, he helped in the recovery from the negative attitude towards policing.”
Maggi acted as the honorary “house dad” for the Stevens sororities, and always tried to be empathetic towards students who got into trouble and acted as their mentor during times of hardship. “The students always took to him…he is a friend, a brother, a father, and a close counsel to all who know him,” describes Chief Tim Griffin, “and his entire life was a life dedicated to service.”
Captain Tom Maggi now serves as a full-time grandfather to his two grandchildren, but periodically returns to Stevens to assist with the training of young officers.
Members of the Stevens community thank Captain Maggi for his honorable service to the Navy, the nation, and the Stevens community, and for the rich and lasting legacy that many feel he has left behind.
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