Retired New Providence Police Lt. William Snyder, who served the borough's department for 27 and a half years, has died.

The New Providence Police Department announced Snyder's passing on Friday, Oct. 2. Mayor Allen Morgan directed the borough to lower all flags to half-staff that day in Snyder's honor, according to a borough civic alert.

Snyder joined the New Providence Police Department in 1964. He rose to the rank of lieutenant and retired in 1991 after serving the borough and its residents for nearly three decades.

Before joining the force, Snyder served four years in the United States Navy.

He was a longtime New Providence resident.

The police department said Snyder was a familiar presence in the community even after his retirement.

"We will sorely miss seeing Lt. Snyder around town and at our functions," the department said.

The department thanked Snyder for what it called years of dedicated service to the community and the country, and extended condolences to his family.

Morgan's flag order marked an official recognition of Snyder's contributions to the borough. The civic alert described Snyder as a longtime resident who gave 27 and a half years to the department.

Snyder's career spanned a period of significant change in New Providence. He joined the department during the mid-1960s and served through the early 1990s, a stretch that covered more than a quarter-century of borough life.

No information about memorial services or funeral arrangements was available as of Saturday, Oct. 3. Residents can check the New Providence Police Department's Facebook page or the borough website at newprov.us for updates.