Hudson County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Matthew Vogel passed away on Dec. 27 due to complications from COVID-19, according to Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari.
Vogel began serving as a member of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office in 1999. He was promoted to Detective in 2007, then Sergeant in 2011, and finally to Lieutenant in 2017.
“The entire Hudson County Sheriff’s Office today mourns the passing of a great man, friend and exemplary public servant in Lieutenant Matthew Vogel,” Schillari said in a statement. “Lieutenant Vogel served the people of Hudson County with great honor over the course of his distinguished career. I had the pleasure of working alongside him for 22 years and he will forever be an icon in our office.”
Life of service
Schillari said that Vogel has served the community well since before he was a part of the Sheriff’s Office. Vogel had been a member of the North Bergen Emergency Medical Services having joined in 1990, prior to becoming a law enforcement officer.
“He always put the needs and safety of our community first, going back to 1990 when he became a member of the North Bergen EMS,” Schillari said.
At the Sheriff’s Office, Vogel was not only a Lieutenant, but also a Special Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) commander.
“He wore many hats, working as SWAT commander, a member of the accident reconstruction and investigation unit, heading the newly formed high water rescue team and he was in charge of our radio communications system,” Schillari said.
Law enforcement agencies from across Hudson County were quick to offer their condolences to Vogel, including departments in North Bergen, Secaucus, and Union City.
Communities offer condolences
“COVID has taken another brother from us,” the Secaucus Police Department wrote. “The Secaucus Police Department stands in solidarity with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department as they mourn the loss of Lt. Matthew Vogel.”
Schillari continued: “We will never forget the service of Lieutenant Vogel and his contributions to our office. He will be deeply missed by all that were lucky enough to have known him. His family is in all of our thoughts and prayers.”
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