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Son of Manchester's First Police Chief Found Dead

Darrin 'Mark' Payne, 49-year-old son of former chief Harold Payne, found by family Monday in his Manchester home

 

A former Manchester Police Department officer and the son of the township's first police chief was found dead Monday.

Darrin "Mark" Payne, 49, was discovered in his Manchester home Monday morning by family members, Chief of Police Brian Klimakowski confirmed.

Detectives from Manchester and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office are investigating Payne's death. An autopsy is planned, and toxicology results are pending to determine the cause of death, according to Klimakowski. 

"All the guys who worked with Mark are saddened by the news," Klimakowski said, adding that many of the officers who worked with Payne have since left the department.

Payne worked as a police officer in Manchester from the mid-1980s through 2000 and was the youngest son of the department's first chief of police, Harold Payne. The elder Payne, also Manchester's first full-time officer, was appointed to lead the force after a full-time police department was created through a township ordinance in January 1965.

Harold Payne retired from the department in 1995 and died in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Hattie.

The prosecutor's office involvement in this case is normal and does not represent a desire to avoid a conflict of interest since Payne was a former Manchester officer, according to the chief. 

"That's just normal protocol," Klimakowski said. "They come out on all unattended deaths."

Payne graduated Manchester Township High School in 1981, along with fellow officer Mike Lychock, who retired as a lieutenant in 2010. Both men came to the police department in 1986. 

"He genuinely cared about the people in town," Lychock said. 

Spending his time in Manchester in the department's patrol division, Payne — also a member of the department's Honor Guard — ensured that he represented the township with pride. 

"He was a sharp troop. He always took care of his uniform," Lychock said. 

Lychock said that he would occasionally see Payne around town over the past few years, but the two did not keep in touch.

"It's a shame that he went so young," he said. 

Related Topics: Darrin "Mark" Payne, Harrold Payne, and Manchester Police Department

Scott Neuman

9:24 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Rip Mark. My condolences to the family.

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ulysses ellis

9:24 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Heartbreaking news I always use to listen and learn from Mark when I use to listen to scanners bck then. I think he was #308. His voice so deep and deturmined, he would say 308 Manchester enroute 10-3 with one. Sad,Sad, true Sadness..

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JD

10:20 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

He was a police officer for 15 years per article...
Did he quit?? Why didn't he work 25 and retire??

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Donna Bowick

8:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Does it matter at this point?

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Vernita Wallace

9:46 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

What difference does it make now, who are you to question anything!!!!

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Momere

11:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

I agree with Donna & Vernita! And would like to add I'm sure his family definitely doesn't need anything but positive support and prayers! Whatever the reason is NO ONES business but his and right about now I think he's a bit busy caughting up with his Dad to even care about what's going on here. Pray for his Mother, Siblings and keep it moving!

Ray piacentio

10:46 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Rest in peace marc. My condolences to the family.

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Laurie Anne LoBaito

10:52 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

God Bless the Payne family. Rest in peace, Mark.

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Regina Bien

10:56 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

RIP Mark.... You will be surely missed... I remember when you were a officer and there for all of us Manchester Peeps... No more laughs at the LV gate :( May you guide through the Pearly white gates and meet Dad...

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Steve Crosson

11:33 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

As one oif Mark's former teachers I am deeply saddened by his passing. The Payne family always represented the finest group of people in the Township. Every member of that remarkable family became deeply involved in community activities. This will be a sad burden for them to carry. Stephen Crosson

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Michael Tempora

12:02 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

My condolences to the Payne Family. I knew Mark since the age of five and watched him grow into a caring and effective officer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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Michele Petted

12:17 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Prayers go out to the Payne family at this sad time. So sorry to hear of Mark's passing, many memories of him from MTHS days. He always had a smile on his face.

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Vernita Wallace

1:02 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

R.I.P. Cuz, you will be truly missed. I will keep the menories.

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WhitingBoy

10:27 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

My thoughts and condolances to you and your fmaily. Sorry for your loss.

Anita

1:09 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Mark WE will always remember the good times.... (You, me, my sister and Cindy). You will be truly missed..... R.I.P. CUZ

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Sandra Zaino

1:18 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

So sorry to hear about your passing . I feel devastated that I will no longer see your beautiful smile ,hardy laugh , and most of all our friendship .I send much love to your childeren and Miss Hatti .My prayers go out to them and u my friend since five years old ,our fathers were great friends too ,say hi to my dad for me , I love u always , your friend sandy mayes rest in pease love !!!!

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T1968

2:04 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I knew Mark, from my time on Manchester First Aid, and from Manchester High, he ALWAYS had the biggest smile, and GREAT laugh, he was one of a kind..!! Rest in the Arms of Angels Mark.

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Kim

2:01 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Dearest Mark, I can't believe that you're gone. I truly believe that everyone is put on this earth for a reason. Your much too short life may not have been ideal, but your much too early passing has taught us to be compassionate, tolerant, understanding and forgiving. To Aunt Hattie and cousins, take solace in knowing that God's will is done and is never wrong, however saddened we may feel. We'll miss you . . . your smile and laugh, sitting around the table gossiping. Be at peace Mark . . . say hello to Uncle Richard for us.
Kim, Koren and Chris

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Cindy

2:56 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Mark - when I see your photo - I can hear your laughter - I remember growing up with you and your mischevious ways - you were the hyper active prankster always into something. You've accomplished so much in such a short life - your beautiful children that you are so proud of - You were there for me when I had trouble and I know that I was there for you when you had yours. You faced criticism with grace and a smile and please know that no one can judge you. You have an amazing personality and I love you so much for your free spirit and bright smile...Mark you were the one who could light up the room...We miss you - love Cindy, George & Dylan

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Mark Cannon

3:48 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I'm deeply saddened by the news. Mark was very supportive during my brother's death. We've been corresponding via Facebook as recently as July 10th. He told me to keep moving forward and remember the three F's. Family, faith, and friends. After my brother passed, he said he knows he'll see him one day...not this soon...gone too soon. You are loved and missed!!!

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Jeff

3:53 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

i was and am proud of my cuz Mark, with much love and respect.

Jeff

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Debra Watts

6:58 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

We have been friends with the Payne family ever since I can remember. So sadden to hear the news from my father yesterday. May he have everlasting peace throught his journey. Debra Watts

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Kym Ferguson-Haney

7:45 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Praying for the family God that surrounds you all with peace. So saddened to hear of Mark's passing. Graduated with him from MTHS. Such a funny and friendly guy.

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Robin Phillips

8:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

My heart goes out to the Payne family. We all went to church together. Mark was a genuinely nice guy. Mrs. Payne God bless and keep you. May the lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace!! Robin Phillips and family

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Donna Bowick

8:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

May God comfort the Payne family at this time. I am deeply
saddened to hear of Marks passing. I remember I met Mark in the 70's and we went to the movies together and dressed alike because he always dressed to impress and I didn't want to be left out...lol from that day on we remained friends and recently reunited on Facebook. When I received the news I was in awe. Mark was a genuine person with a big heart and always smiling. May God also watch over his children and continue to guide them. God Bless until we meet again ...RIP MARK ...Donna Hayes Bowick

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LeeAnn Exotica

8:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

WOW, this is a shock, Mark was always a nice guy, my thoughts & Prayers go out to the Payne Family.. I am so very sorry for your families loss..R.I.P. Mark Payne..

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LeeAnn Exotica

8:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

WOW, this is a shock, Mark was always a nice guy, my thoughts & Prayers go out to the Payne Family.. I am so very sorry for your families loss..R.I.P. Mark Payne..

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Janet robertson smith

10:27 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Rip Mark...Prayers to Ms Hattie and the grands...love the Robertson Family

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Momere

10:27 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Mrs. Payne and family my prayers are with you all! While in the presence of his Heavenly Father, Mark is now in the presence of his earthly father - Chief Payne! and I'm sure they're caughting up! May God's love and grace see you through this difficult time.

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Tony & Nancy

11:00 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Dearest Mark,
Our fondest memory of you is you laughing, smiling, eating, and sitting at our kitchen table and you telling us stories of your adventures. May God bless you and keep you in our hearts. Rest in peace cousin Mark, We will miss you Tony, Nancy, Tracy & Courtney

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Momere

11:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Enjoy reading the Patch online! and happy there's NO CHARGE! like the APP :)

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Kimberly Burton

2:25 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Deepest Sympathy to Mark's Children and Family. May God Bless!

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Eileen Robbins

5:48 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

My Deepest Sympathies to the Payne family at this time of great sorrow. I got to know Mark these last few months he worked at the Gate for LVW. Mark would tell me about his weekends, and his vacations and his upcoming plans. I truly enjoyed his smile and conversation at the Rt. 37 Gate, I know St. Peter will enjoy his conversation with Mark also. RIP my friend.

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Marty & Al Stephenson

5:48 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to Hattie, Ricky, Pam , Stacey, and to Marks children. May you find peace that he is now with his father in a better place.

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Joe Hawk

11:21 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Mark was a great human being. He will always be remembered as a giver. R.I.P.
Joe Hawk

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Lorrie Sheridan

12:10 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012

Mark was a gentle giant. He loved his children with all of his heart. I am so glad that Darrin fell in love with my daughter at age 5 and over the years at RidgewAY I got to know the Payne family! My heart goes out to Darrin and Desi! You know that my family went through the same thing a few years ago when we lost Jimmy. I am here for you kids! just message me anytime day or night. I am sure that Mark is sitting in heaven with Jimmy watching over us all. God Bless.... you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Matthew Matreale

9:55 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, I am deeply saddened by his passing.

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Vernita Wallace

2:36 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012

Miss me ,but let me go.
When I've come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me I want no rites in an gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little, but not too long,remember the love we once shared, miss me but let me go. For this a journey we all must make, and each must go alone, its all a part of the masters plan, a step on the road home. So when you're lonley or sick at heart call on the friends we know and remember the fun times we once had, miss me but let me go.

jeff

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Jeff

3:03 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012

Miss Me, But Let Me Go
When I've come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free
Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your heads bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must make, and each must go alone,
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road to home.
So when you're lonely or sick at heart,
Call on the friends we know
And remember the fun times we once had,
Miss me but let me go.

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Jeff

3:23 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012

My sincerest condolences to the family. May God give you a peace that passes all understanding.

Teresa Wallace

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katherine savine

12:24 am on Friday, July 20, 2012

R.I.P. Mark, i will miss you especially at the 37 gate at LVW you were a very nice person and my deepest condolences to his family

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P

2:19 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012

Oh theres so much to say, but im lost for words. I was very close to mark, he was fired from the Dept. Badge # 308 in JUNE of 2000. Its no one business what happen in 2000. His ex wife & I know what happen . Mark loved his Children so much, Darrin, & Desi. plus he has other children and i hope they can all make it thru this horrible time in there life. Mark, we had alot of great time, no one will ever no what we shared, it was Special.. I was hoping Mark was over all that we lived thru in June 2000. God Bless Him, and to the entire Payne Family. We both enjoyed sports, he was a COWBOY fan and of course i was a GIANT fan. He love the Bulls & Michael Jordan, and we differ once again, i was a NY Knick fan. We always went back and forth with that. Mark was a loss Soul for years after he got Fired. I thought he would of found himself by now. So i say to you my Friend (mark) i will keep all the memories we had and lived thru together, and keep them close to my heart FOREVER..., R.I.P 308 signing off. Patty

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Vernita Wallace

10:27 am on Friday, July 20, 2012

Take my hand
I had some good days and I had some bad days. I climb some hills and some mountains. I said to the lord "I won't complain," take my hand and lead me on. So i say to my family and friends don't wonder about me - thank god for me.

R.I.P.
Aunt Virginia

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Karen Montanye

1:32 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012

RIP Mark, your smile was infectious...

Too young, you will be missed

Karen

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Momere

8:29 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012

I find Patty's comments regarding Mark being "fired" in 2000 inappropriate and so unnecessary! Also, the mention of his other kids! Ex-wife, and being a "lost soul" has no purpose except to add drama and embarrassment to his memory and pain to his family! I pray that Mrs Payne, Mark's siblings and children will NOT see some of the ridiculous and rambling comments made about Mark. Bottom Line - NO ONE IS PERFECT! BUT his family deserves repect during their time of unbearable pain and loss. Like many others I've known the Payne family for years! In fact, Dad retired from Manchester Police force. My thoughts and prayers are with the Payne family!

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Pamela Williams

10:47 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012

Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so hurt over my brother's death that I can't comprehend why someone would write something so negative. But again, I thank you for your kind words and support.
Sincerely, Pamela Williams and the entire Payne Family and Friends

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barbara

11:40 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012

So true, Momere, i did not know him at all, but comments of this nature should not be on this page. Yes, RESPECT is a powerful 7 letter word, unfortunately, some people don't get it. His picture shows to me, a strong man, a compassionate man and and I am sure a great public servant. So sorry for his family and may he RIP.....

Barbara

8:28 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012

Mark, Thinking of the days when we would get together:) They all bring a smile to our faces:) Your laughter, your smile & your humor all contagious! Thanks for the great memories:) Barbara & Timmy

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barbara

11:40 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012

I did not know him, but just want to express oy symapthies to his family and friends. Just by looking at his picture I cann tell he was a man of intergerity, compassion and pride. Thank you for your service and RIP.

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Momere

7:45 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

Barbara -
Appreciate your response to my comments regarding Patty's ridiculous and unnecessary comments. As I'm sure you're aware Webster defines "Respect" as "esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability". With that said, it's OBVIOUS that Patty has no clue regarding what “respect” means. Prayerfully, she'll keep any future comments to herself! However, I'm guessing she won't and will probably be one of many who will continue to show disrespect to Mark's memory. As I look around and see all the craziness going on in the world, I just have to maintain my calm and pray! Have a blessed day!

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Robert H. White, Jr.

10:07 am on Monday, July 23, 2012

Rip Mark. My condolences to the family.

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Dr. Robert Simmons

9:50 am on Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Just wanted to send our prayers to his friends and family. I used to work with him as patrolman. His uniform was always on point! He was also responsible for me meeting my wife. Been married 20 years now with 2 great girls. Guess that makes him partially responsible for that minivan too! God Bless Mark and thanks!

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_

1:14 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012

I want to express my condolences and respects to Mr. Payne’s family & friends.

About 25 years ago I was a long haired heavy metal burnout looking 17 year old with some attitude, when a Manchester cop pulled me over . I knew who he was, I knew the routine with Manchester cops, and I was ready and willing to give a little bit of attitude back to this cop to get my money’s worth (from prior encounters with other Manchester cops).

When he asked me for my driver’s license, he called me “Sir”. I was very surprised. This was the first time anyone called me “Sir”. He treated me with respect during the traffic stop, and didn’t judge a book by it’s cover. He didn’t write me a ticket, and he ended the traffic stop calling me “Sir” again. Him calling me “Sir” was memorable to me. He didn’t judge me, yet I already judged him.

A few years later, to my surprise, I became a cop. I saw Mr. Payne when he was my instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy. He knew who I was, but I never said anything to him other than keeping it strictly business. I never got to know him personally or professionally, and never told him how that one traffic stop taught me a life lesson.

My memory over the years has faded, but I remember Mr. Payne pulling me over 25 years ago and treating me with respect, at a time when people didn’t treat me with respect based on my appearance.

Sorry I didn’t say it sooner…. Thank You Mr. Payne.

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ramone worthy

9:41 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012

God bless the Payne fam! He'll be missed.

Ramone.

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