Edison Auxiliary Police Chief Saraiya Retires

   
Lt. Robert Dudash (right) of the Edison Township Police Department presents 
a proclamation to Kashyap Saraiya at the Feb. 12, 2020 ceremony 
commemorating his retirement as Edison’s Auxiliary Police Chief.
      

It was a sad day for the citizens of Edison, NJ earlier this year when they learned that Kashyap Saraiya, the town’s longtime Auxiliary Police Chief, would be stepping down on February 12, 2020. Kash, as many of you know, worked more than two decades for the NYSID before moving on to join Ace Insurance North America (now Chubb) in 2007.

What many alums do not know, however, is that Kash also served as a volunteer auxiliary police officer for Edison Township’s Police Department during many of those years. Kash first joined the auxiliary force in 2003 and became its Chief three years later. As Auxiliary Chief, he typically supervised around 45 officers, including his deputies and command staff.

In addition to busting bad guys in the wee hours of the morning, one of Kash’s fondest memories was serving as part of the security details for President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama during their presidential visits to Edison.

He is also proud that over 100 of his former staff members are now serving as professional law enforcement officers at various agencies throughout the United States. These officers, most of whom started their law enforcement careers in Kash’s unit, will have a positive impact on their communities for decades to come.

What does the former Edison Auxiliary Police Chief miss most since retiring?  “I miss not wearing the uniform and being out on the road to help my community and keep it safe,” says Kashyap. In short, he adds, he misses "making a difference."

Of course, much still remains on Kashyap’s plate. He continues, for example, to work full-time at Chubb while he and his wife Monica, an Edison teacher, raise their two sons Rohit and Rahul. In addition, he has waged a long and successful struggle to overcome the effects of a devastating stroke that nearly took his life two years ago.

Kash has always been a tireless fighter for justice in his community, workplace and country. He no longer wears a uniform or badge, but the battles will most certainly continue.