Hiering Statue Vanishes from OCC Campus

A bronze bust of one of Ocean County's most revered figures has been taken from its base on the Ocean County College Campus in Toms River.

Township police need your help in tracking down the statue of William Hiering, and perhaps in finding whoever whisked it away.

According to police, it was taken on February 26, but the stone base was left behind. Authorities assume that it's a metal theft, with no knowledge or regard for its historical or artistic qualities.

Hiering, who led a distinguished career in law and also chaired OCC's Board of Trustees, co-authored the original 1962 law that created the community college system in New Jersey. His family has a long and storied history in the county that continues to the present day.

If you have any information that can help the investigation, reach Detective Randy Petrick at 732-349-0150, extension 1235, or leave word at the Toms River Police Facebook page.