Rahway Native, War Veteran, 13-Year Fort Lee Police Veteran Honored

The following article was submitted to Patch for publication by the Fort Lee Police Department:

Detective Robert Tilton, a 13-year veteran of the Fort Lee Police Department, has been chosen as the Chief’s Award recipient for the month of December. Since taking over the duties of Fort Lee Police Chief in 2004, Chief Thomas Ripoli has instituted the department awards ceremony, which honors Fort Lee’s finest for their actions in the line of duty.

Tilton grew up in Rahway and attended Union Catholic High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1987, serving in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He received an Honorable Discharge after five years of service. 

Upon leaving the Air Force, Det. Tilton began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections. Tilton worked there for three-and-a-half years before returning home to New Jersey. 

Tilton joined the Fort Lee Police Department in January 1999 and was assigned to the patrol division. In April 2003, Tilton was assigned the position of Detective and served six-and-a-half years in the Narcotics Bureau. During that time, he was assigned to the Bergen County Money Laundering Unit. Currently, Det. Tilton works in the General Investigations Bureau. 

During his 13-year career with the Fort Lee Police Department, Tilton has received numerous awards and citations for his outstanding service. 

Det. Tilton is married and the proud father of three children. His brother and sister are both active Police Officers in Rahway, and his father is a retired Chief of Police from the same department.

Tilton said he was honored that the chief chose him as this month’s recipient.