Dancing cop honored by South Orange for decades of service

After nearly six decades of dedicated service, Edward "Butch" Larkin, affectionately known as the "Dancing Cop," has retired from his role in South Orange.

At 86, Larkin concluded his tenure on Friday, marking the end of an era for the community.

To honor his remarkable 58-year commitment, the Village of South Orange and its police department organized a heartfelt send-off.

The celebration included a formal proclamation, a communal lunch, and a ceremonial police escort.

Larkin's journey began in 1963 when he joined the South Orange Police Department.

After 30 years of service, he retired in 1993, only to return in 1997 as a traffic control officer.

Since then, rain or shine, he has been a familiar and uplifting presence at intersections along South Orange Avenue, often incorporating dance moves into his traffic direction.

Mayor Sheena Collum, alongside Village Council members Hannah Zollman and Olivia Lewis-Chang, presented Larkin with a proclamation recognizing his unwavering dedication.

Collum expressed the community's deep appreciation, stating, "Over the course of more than five decades of service, Butch Larkin has become known throughout the community for his unwavering dedication, professionalism, and integrity, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on South Orange and its residents."

She added, "His extraordinary career reflects a lifetime devoted to protecting, serving, and strengthening the community, and his legacy of public service will continue to inspire future generations."

On social media, Collum further honored Larkin, remarking, "Quite simply, there is no one like Butch. And there never will be."

[object Object] Chief Stephen Dolinac presented Larkin with a plaque, emphasizing the department's desire to ensure he received a proper farewell.

"We put this together because we wanted to have him walk out of here the right way," Dolinac said.

During the event, a slideshow showcased images and news reports of Larkin directing traffic and dancing through the years.

In 2020, he was featured in a segment on a major news network, which returned to cover his retirement.

When thanked for his consistent presence, Larkin humbly responded, "Happy to do it."

Addressing the attendees, his daughter, Donna, conveyed his gratitude: "It's been his honor to serve the Village of South Orange for nearly six decades."

She added, "He feels privileged to have served alongside hundreds of colleagues with such integrity and care for the community, as all of those here today. Thank you."