John Laub

Q: Tell me a little about you and your family.
I moved to Richboro with my family when I was 12. Funny enough, I’m still living in my childhood home! In 2018, my family and I moved back in to help my father take care of the house. It’s been nice being back in a place with so many memories. I’ve lived in this area most of my life. When I was really little, we lived down South, but as far as I can remember, this has been home. 

I’ve known my wife since I was 18. I worked at a restaurant in Southampton called The Robin Hood, and back in the day it was next to a Shop ‘n Save. One of my morning tasks was to run over there and buy a bunch of bananas for the restaurant.

At the time, I was a dumb kid who smoked, so I’d also pick up a carton of cigarettes while I was there. The girl working at the cigarette counter, I always thought she was really cute, but I never actually talked to her. Later, I realized what a mistake I had made by smoking and I quit. That was over 25 years ago.  

Fast forward to the late ’80s, when CB radios became all the rage—they were like the old-school version of chat rooms before the internet. I got a CB radio in my car and met a bunch of people that way. One day, I was at a friend’s house—a girl I’d met through the radio—and in walks this familiar face. It was the girl from the Shop ‘n Save counter! Turns out, she was my friend’s sister. That’s how I finally learned her name.

At the time life took us in different directions. I went to art school, and we didn’t stay in touch for a while. A couple of years later, I got back into the CB radio scene and reconnected with her sister. Eventually, I started hanging out with her again, and we became good friends. One thing led to another, and, well, here we are—married for 25 years this October!

We have four kids—three daughters and a son.  We have a lot of fun together.

Q: Tell me about your past and present career. 

I went to Nativity Elementary School and then graduated from Archbishop Wood High School. After that, I spent a couple of years figuring things out. I’ve always loved painting and drawing, so I went to the Art Institute of Philadelphia as an Illustration major. But after two years, I realized the art world involved too much sales for my liking. I wanted a steady paycheck—and the ability to eat regularly—so I decided to pursue something else.

I took some courses at Bucks County Community College, earning quite a few credits but not a degree. During that time, I worked various jobs, including in the college’s security department.

In 1994, I started working as a full-time 911 dispatcher in the radio room. That experience opened the door to law enforcement. I eventually attended the police academy and began working part-time for Ivyland Borough and Yardley Borough Police Departments while still dispatching full-time.

Working 911 opened my eyes to emergency services—the good and the bad. I got to know some amazing people in law enforcement, and I realized how cool their jobs were. Sure, parts of it weren’t fun, like paperwork, but the overall mission was inspiring.

One instructor at the academy said something that stuck with me: “You’re going to have a front-row seat to the greatest show on earth. You’ll see people at their best and their worst, sometimes on the worst day of their lives.” That’s exactly what this career has been—a roller coaster of emotions.

I’ve seen bad and good, but I’m fortunate to work in a place where the good outweighs the bad. At the end of the day, we’re all here to help people. That may sound cliché, but it’s true. We’re type-A personalities who want to step up and make a difference. I’ve found my calling, and I’m proud of the work I do.

I got married in 1999, and in 2000, I was hired full-time by Northampton Township Police Department. I’ve been here ever since, though I still work part-time for Ivyland.

I started on regular patrol and then joined the Traffic Safety Unit as a crash investigator and reconstructionist. But I’ve always enjoyed working with schools. Early in my career, we had a program called “Adopt-a-Cop,” which was more about building relationships with kids and humanizing police officers.

In the winter after I started, the officer assigned to Rolling Hills Elementary was promoted, so I stepped into the role and have been the “Adopt-a-Cop” for that school ever since. It started with simple visits, like teaching Halloween safety, and grew into something much more. Halloween became one of my favorite times of the year—I’d visit most of the elementary schools, sometimes bringing my kids in costumes or dressing up myself. The kids loved it, and honestly, I had just as much fun as they did.

I’ve always tried to keep the relationship between law enforcement and schools positive. Teachers, staff, and students know we’re approachable and here to help if they need anything.

In January 2021, I transitioned into the role of School Resource Officer at the high school. The previous SRO was retiring, and I was chosen to take over. I love it! Working with kids has been incredibly rewarding. I know some people might find it challenging, but I really enjoy the energy and interaction with the students.

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
It might sound funny, but I really enjoy just interacting with the kids on a social level. When I first started, I thought to myself, “What can an old cop like me do to relate to these kids? How do I walk up to a table full of them and start a conversation without it feeling awkward or like an interrogation?”

That’s when I started teaching myself card tricks—card magic, really. Now, I bring a deck of cards with me, and during lunch, I’ll pull them out and do tricks. The kids love it. They’ll come up to me, curious to see what I can do, and it’s such a fun way to break the ice. It helps build a connection and makes them feel more comfortable around me.

Beyond that, I really enjoy being there for the kids when they need help. Whether it’s offering support, providing guidance, or sharing insights from a law enforcement perspective with counselors or social workers, I’m always glad to contribute. And I have to say, the staff at the school is fantastic—they’re a great group of people to work with.

Q: Are you involved in anything else in the community?
Yes, I am! I run our Youth Aid Panel, which is a diversionary program for first-time juvenile offenders. It’s designed to help kids avoid getting a criminal record. For instance, if a student is caught at school with THC or is involved in a non-violent crime like shoplifting, they can go through this program instead of through the court system.

The panel is made up of community volunteers who essentially act as probation officers. They assign tasks like writing assignments, online classes, community service, or a combination of those. I coordinate the meetings, make sure the kids are matched with the panel, and track their progress. Once they complete the program, I report back to the county and maintain the records.

Another program I’m involved in is Shop with a Cop. I’m the liaison for Northampton, and it’s one of my favorite events. You don’t realize how many families in this area are struggling until you see firsthand the joy this brings.

The kids make a shopping list, and we pair each one with an officer who helps them shop. The smiles and excitement on their faces make it all worthwhile. Honestly, the officers enjoy it just as much as the kids and their families—it’s such a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
It’s such a heartwarming program. It’s incredible to see the difference it makes for families who might be struggling to put food on the table, let alone buy gifts. The magic in the kids’ eyes is worth every second. And honestly, the officers get just as much out of it as the kids do. It’s a good time for everyone.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
In six years, I hope to be retired! By then, all my kids should be through college—or at least whatever path they choose—and I’d like to retire while I’m still young enough to enjoy the next phase of life.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

Take a moment to slow down and truly enjoy life—the little things, the fleeting moments. It’s over before you know it. I mean, I can’t believe I’m just six years away from retirement already! Feels like I just started the job, and now I’m one of the “old guys.” It’s crazy how time flies. So, yeah, savor life as much as you can, while you can.

Q: What is your favorite place that you’ve ever traveled, and where do you want to go next?

Well, we have a seasonal site at a local campground that we really enjoy. It’s more like glamping than camping—nice trailer, air conditioning, definitely not roughing it! But it’s a great way to escape and unwind from the world. Next, I’d love to head down south, maybe to the Gulf Coast. I’d like to spend some time there and see what it’s like—who knows, maybe even live there someday. 

Q: What are some of your favorite movies and TV shows?

Oh, man, my all-time favorite movie is The Princess Bride. I know it might sound funny, but growing up as the oldest of six, my siblings and I practically had that movie memorized—it’s such a fun, timeless classic. Of course, I’m a big Star Wars fan too. Seeing the original trilogy in theaters as a kid was unforgettable, and when the prequels and sequels came out, it became a special bonding tradition with my son.

As for TV shows, I’d have to say Breaking Bad is one of my all-time favorites—it’s dark, but such a brilliantly crafted series. Lately, I’ve been hooked on Tulsa King; it’s a fantastic show that I’d highly recommend.

Q: What about music? What do you like to listen to?

I’m a rocker at heart—a full-on metalhead. I’m all about the classics: 80s heavy metal like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden (just saw them live!), Black Sabbath, and old-school Metallica—pre-…And Justice for All, of course. Dave Mustaine and that era of music really shaped my taste, but I’m open to some newer stuff too. I used to like country back in the day, but it’s just not the same anymore

Q: What’s at the top of your bucket list?

Honestly, I’m a simple person. At the top of my bucket list is just spending time at the beach, relaxing by the ocean, and listening to the waves. I’m not big into travel or anything extravagant—I’m a bit of a homebody. I’m happiest when I’m at home with my family, enjoying the little things in life.

Q: Are there any safety tips you’d like to share with the community?

Absolutely—my biggest advice is to stay aware of your surroundings. Too often, people get caught up in their own little worlds and don’t notice what’s going on around them, which can lead to avoidable situations. Whether you’re walking, driving, or just out and about, being conscious of your environment can make a big difference. Oh, and always wear your seatbelt! I’m always reminding kids at the high school when I see them—safety first, but still, enjoy life. Just keep your head on a swivel and stay alert.

Q: What is your favorite holiday, and why?

Oh, Halloween—hands down! I love everything about it, from the chance to dress up as anyone you want to creating spooky experiences for others. Years ago, I started setting up a haunted house in my garage, and it grew into a full-on maze with pallets, black walls, smoke, lights, and sound effects. My kids even skipped trick-or-treating some years to stay home and help scare people—they loved it as much as I did!

Now, at the campground where we stay, we still go all out with Halloween decorations and spooky setups. My youngest daughter and I especially bond over creating creepy scenes. One year, she dressed as Annabelle and blended into a pile of stuffed animals, terrifying everyone who walked by! It’s just such a fun holiday, full of creativity and fun memories with my family.

And yes, I do dress up! My all-time favorite costume was a Dementor I made after Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban came out. I even walked on three-foot-tall drywall stilts to make it extra dramatic—kids still remember it to this day!

I have a soft spot for Christmas of course, especially because of my kids. We have so much fun together on Christmas. Each kid gets their own wrapping paper, but I don’t label the gifts. Instead, we hide an envelope somewhere in the house with a swatch of their wrapping paper, and they have to find it to figure out which presents are theirs.

On Christmas morning, we make it a game. Each kid gives me a topic—anything they like—and I come up with trivia questions. We roll a die to pick topics, and they have to answer a question to open a present. If they get it wrong, someone else can steal and answer. It turns opening presents into an event that lasts hours. Even when all the gifts are opened, they still want to keep playing trivia.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite smells?

That’s an interesting question! Ever since I had COVID in 2021, my sense of smell hasn’t been the same, but there are still a few favorites I really enjoy. I love the smell of campfires—there’s just something about that smoky, outdoorsy scent. Barbecue smoke is another big one, especially when something’s smoking on the grill.

Other favorites would be warm butter, like on popcorn, and the smell of bacon—absolutely unbeatable. I also love the scent of pine, whether it’s from a Christmas tree or fresh-cut wood. Those are the ones that really stand out for me!

Q: What are a couple of words or phrases you think of when you hear the word ‘home’?

Home makes me think of happiness, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place that feels relaxing—most of the time—and fun, where you can truly be yourself. 

Q: Is there anything else you want people to know about you or what you do?
I’m the kind of person who goes along to get along. I just try to do my job and treat people like normal people. I know there’s a perception that cops have this ego or attitude, but I don’t think I fall into that. I’m just a regular person.

When I first started on the job, I’d see kids in my old neighborhood—preteens turning into teens—and I knew some of them growing up. They’d start getting rowdy, and I’d tell them, “Look, you’re good kids. Do what you need to do, but don’t make me have to do my job.” I wasn’t out there looking to jam anyone up. That’s still how I operate.