TR Officials Begin Process to Bring Back the Deputy Chief’s Post

Lots of eyes view the subtle changes to the municipal government in Toms River. The township's reorganization meeting was held before a standing room only crowd sometimes two person's deep Tuesday night.

Toms River Councilwoman Maria Maruca was named Council President and Councilman John Sevastakis the Council Vice President. Additionally, Councilmen Jeff Carr, Al Manforti and Brian Kubiel were sworn to new terms. A formal swearing in ceremony was also held for Toms River's new Police Chief Mitch Little.

Maruca said "the three biggest challenges of the township are the dune replenishment program, getting a stable tax base back together and the third thing is keeping up with the retirements in our Police Department so that they have sufficient man power."

Along with the installation of re-elected and appointed officials, Toms River Township Council members held their first reading of an ordinance to create a Deputy Police Chief's post Tuesday night. Captain Steven Henry, who was also in the running to become the township's Police Chief, is the only candidate being considered for that post.

Councilman Maurice "Mo" Hill explained why the position is needed now. "Well, I think first of all we have a large town, large officer cadre, more importantly I think we need a chain of command, a specific chain of command who will know who's in charge when the Chief of Police is out of town," said Hill.

Township Business Administrator Paul Shives says they're budgeting for the new position by eliminating a Captain's post and says the net budget increase will not exceed $12,000. There will be a public hearing on the ordinance in two weeks.