TOMS RIVER – Lt. Peter Sundack was promoted to chief of police, filling a void in leadership.
The previous chief and both captains retired this year, leaving the department without the top brass. Below these positions were seven lieutenants. A senior officer was placed in charge during the interim.
Sundack attended the Vest-A-Cop fundraiser as his first official event as chief. He told The Toms River Times “It’s an honor and a privilege to be serving the people of Toms River in an ongoing relationship with the community and with visitors to our town.”
“Chief Sundack has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service throughout his career. His proactive approach to community policing has not only improved the safety of our neighborhoods but has also built a stronger, more trusting relationship between the police force and the residents of Toms River,” Mayor Daniel Rodrick said in a statement.
“His commitment to excellence is evident in the numerous initiatives he has led, which have contributed to the reduction of crime and enhanced the quality of life for all citizens,” Rodrick added.
Additionally, Lt. Guy Maire will be promoted to captain.
“Capt. Maire as second-in-command is another step forward for our community. His innovative strategies, combined with a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of Toms River, make him the ideal candidate to assist Chief Sundack in leading our police force into the future,” the mayor said.
“All six lieutenants who applied were exemplary candidates with strong leadership qualities and distinguished careers,” Rodrick said. “It is clear to me that the Toms River Police Department is in good hands.”
Rodrick added, “I have authorized Chief Sundack to move forward with promoting three new lieutenants and three new sergeants. We will also be moving forward with hiring five new police officers to replace the three officers who are being promoted and the two officers who just retired.”
Department Turmoil
Previous Chief Mitch Little retired earlier this year after butting heads with Rodrick. The most public issue was over personnel.
Two captains retired this year. Instead of refilling these positions by promoting from within, Rodrick chose to cut those two positions, in a move he said would save the town $700,000. He wanted to use that money to hire EMS members.
During a Township Council meeting after the promotions were made public, resident Phil Brilliant noted that the township usually mandates that an officer has to be a captain for a year before becoming chief. However, there were no captains to draw from.
Councilman James Quinlisk noted how Rodrick had said in an article in The Patch that the chief was just “a figurehead” and that the captains were unnecessary. The morale in the department has suffered this year.
“You took months destroying the police department and then you want to come in like a conquering hero to rebuild it in your image,” he said.
