This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Ship Bottom Bids Farewell To One Officer: Welcomes Another

The Ship Bottom Police Department bid farewell to a veteran sergeant and welcomed another officer into the full time ranks at Tuesday’s borough council meeting.

Sgt, James Butler, a 28-year veteran of the force had officially retired on July 1 of this year.

In introducing Butler to the audience, Mayor William Huelsenbeck thanked Butler for his service and noted the numerous commendations he received through the years.

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The mayor emphasized Butler’s actions during Superstorm Sandy in rescuing people out of their homes to evacuate and reviving an electrocution victim.

“I’m sure that person wouldn’t be alive today if not for him,” said Huelsenbeck.

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Butler was then presented a plaque by Chief Paul Sharkey with many of his fellow borough officers, including Thomas Marks - who would be sworn in as full time member of the force that night - standing around him.

After Butler’s presentation the mayor and council accepted the retirement resignation of another Sandy “hero,” Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Miller.

Miller is being replaced for the remainder of his term, which runs through 2014, by long-time resident and fire company member Joseph Vaylo.

Then it was Marks’s turn. With his mother, Margaret, holding the Bible the 25-year-old was administered the oath of office by Borough Clerk Kathleen Wells, who then handed him his badge.

The audience full of friends, family members and officers from several local police departments applauded as he was officially congratulated by Chief Sharkey.

Marks had joined the department in 2008 as a special officer after graduating from the police academy, he said.

A graduate of Pinelands Regional High School and the Criminal Justice program at Ocean County College, Marks said he will now be assigned to regular patrol duty.



We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?