TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Police Department will be hiring new officers and promoting existing officers to vacant management positions, including the Chief of Police in coming weeks. The announcement was made last week by Mayor Dan Rodrick.
Rodrick has appointed Lt. Peter Sundack to replace Chief Mitch Little who retired from the job last month.
“On behalf of the entire PBA and its 127 officers, I’d like to say thank you for your support of the police department,” PBA Local 137 President Kenneth Thomas wrote. “Congrations to Chief Sundack and Captain Maire. The PBA looks forward to working handing hand with you and this new administration and we are excited for the future of the TRPD.”
The Toms River Police management union also expressed gratitude toward the mayor.
“On behalf of FOP Lodge 156, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to you, Mr. Mayor, for your support in moving forward with these critical promotions, which are essential to the continued success of the department,” the FOP wrote in a letter to the mayor. “Which are essential to the continued success of the department. We look forward to a continued partnership with the Township of Toms River.”
Today, Rodrick dismissed claims by some detractors that he is anti-police, explaining that since taking office, he has expanded the police EMS squad and fulfilled his promise to hire new officers and give promotions to fill vacancies created by retirements.
“This was the plan all along,” Rodrick said, adding that since taking office, he has had to navigate a political landscape that has worked against him, influenced by those still loyal to former Mayor Maurice Hill.
Rodrick stopped short of asking whether Chief Little was one of those Hill loyalists.
