PARK RIDGE, N.J.—The Park Ridge Police Department is proud to honor Robert “Bob” Steets for his service to our nation and the Park Ridge community.
Born in 1956, Bob grew up in Park Ridge and attended Our Lady of Mercy Academy, followed by St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale. He went on to study Police Science at Bergen Community College, aspiring to become a police officer. After a year, however, he realized school wasn’t the right path for him and chose to serve his country instead.
In 1977, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army, completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He then trained as a tank driver (MOS 19F), fulfilling a long-standing interest in armored vehicles. He was assigned to the 1st Armored Division—nicknamed “Old Ironsides”—in Erlangen, Germany. Overseas, he took the opportunity to travel and meet extended family for the first time in Germany and Austria.
Bob served until 1980. When asked what he took most from his time in the military, he said, “Respect for people.”
After his honorable discharge, Bob returned to Park Ridge, where he continues to reside. Over the years, he has held a variety of jobs: toll collector on the Garden State Parkway, DPW worker in Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff, and landscaper for his own clients.
In 2023, Bob joined the Park Ridge Police Department as a relief crossing guard. By September 2024, he became the full-time crossing guard at East Brook School. He enjoys chatting with parents and students at his post and often remarks how kind everyone is.
In his free time, Bob visits his sister in Tuckerton and enjoys clamming and crabbing at Island Beach State Park.
Thank you, Bob, for your dedicated military service and for your ongoing contributions to the Park Ridge community.
Park Ridge Police Department Veteran of the Quarter is brought to you in proud partnership of the Park Ridge Police Department and Pascack Press.