Deputy Police Chief Craig A. Bahrs Jr.

1969 - 2014

Deputy Police Chief Craig A. Bahrs Jr.

AGE: 45 • Middletown

Deputy Chief of Police, Craig Alexander Bahrs Jr., 45, died peacefully at home on December 1, 2014. A lifelong resident of Middletown Township, Craig lost his courageous four-year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Craig was born on January 24, 1969 in Long Branch, NJ. He was the only son of his devoted parents Janice Kent Bahrs and Craig Alexander Bahrs Sr. Craig had many life long friends and was recently married to the love of his life, Melissa Clifton-Bahrs on November 1, 2014.

After graduating Middletown High School North in 1987, Craig earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Widener University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Seton Hall University, graduating summa cum laude. After Craig graduated from the Middlesex Police Academy he began the career he loved with the Middletown Township Police Department in 1996. Craig continued his education throughout his career by attending numerous professional training courses, including the West Point Command and Leadership Program.

Craig achieved the rank of Deputy Chief in 2010. His career began as a Patrolman and later a K9 Handler with his partner "Jack". He was then promoted to Sargent and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Deputy Chief Bahrs was a born leader who was passionate about his work and felt it was an honor to serve the community he loved.

Deputy Chief Bahrs took every opportunity to give back to the community by embracing his love of public speaking. He did so by lecturing on the dangers of drug abuse, the use of police dogs and most recently he spoke to the Middletown High School South student body about peer pressure.

Deputy Chief Bahrs earned the respect of everyone he met with his kind nature, natural wit and charm. Craig was a lover of people and treated everyone he knew with respect.

Craig was a fun loving family man, devoted husband and a great father. He seized every opportunity to spend time with his four children. He loved teaching and introducing them to anything and everything that would enrich their lives. A tri-athlete who enjoyed the athletic community, Craig completed his first half marathon after being treated for cancer. He loved surfing, golf, fly fishing and was a Master Mason with Monmouth Lodge in Atlantic Highlands. He was also a lover of the Arts, Museums and World History. Truly a Renaissance man and a consummate gentleman.

Craig is survived by his devoted wife, Melissa Clifton-Bahrs, four loving children, Craig Philip, Christian Donald, Kelly Janice, Kaitlyn Jean, stepson Alexander Clifton, sister Christina Ruth Bahrs, his mother Janice Kent Bahrs, his father, Craig Alexander Bahrs Sr., his devoted uncle and aunt, Howard and Shirley Bahrs Kalis, step-mother Melissa Taylor Bahrs and his loyal German Shepard Maggie. Craig was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Donald and Ethel Luker and paternal grandparents Alexander and Mae Bahrs.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Gathering on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 5-8 pm at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals, 153 Church St., Belford. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 9:00am at Tower Hill Church in Red Bank, NJ. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to "Stomp the Monster," a charity that was close to Craig's heart. https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=42036 Or Stomp The Monster, P.O. Box 521, Marlboro, NJ 07746 For directions, or to send condolences, please visit www.scottkedzfuneral home.com