Toms River Mayor Selects New Police Chief, Second-in-Command

Chief Peter Sundack (Photo: TRPD/LinkedIn)

The next leader of the Toms River Police Department will be promoted from within, and he will be assisted in his new role by a second-in-command who is also moving up in the ranks of the department.

Mayor Dan Rodrick announced Wednesday that he had selected Lt. Peter Sundack to serve as the next police chief, replacing former Chief Mitch Little, who announced his retirement earlier this summer amidst a cantankerous relationship with Rodrick. Sundack, the mayor said, was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in 2018 and is currently serving as acting chief of the department. He is being paid the equivalent of a captain’s salary.

“Chief Sundack has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and dedication to public service throughout his career,” said Rodrick. “His proactive approach to community policing has not only improved the safety of our neighborhoods, but has built a stronger, more trusting relationship between the police force and the residents of Toms River.”

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According to his resume, Sundack has worked for the department since 2000 and holds a degree from Rutgers University. He graduated from East Brunswick High School before attending college. He has served as a school resource officer – including leading educational programs with students – as well as a supervisor of patrol. He has also served as an instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy, where he specializes in community policing and public relations.

Toms River’s system of government empowers the mayor to appoint a police chief, subject to the advice and consent of the township council. The council has not yet voted on advice and consent. Rodrick said he is consulting with labor counsel on the appointment, since Toms River’s local ordinance requires a new police chief to have served as a captain prior to being promoted. There are currently no captains in the department after Rodrick made a controversial decision early in his tenure to leave two captains’ positions unfilled in order to shift money toward hiring additional EMTs.

Rodrick also announced that the department’s second-in-command would be Lt. Guy Maire, who will be promoted to captain. Additionally, Rodrick said he has given Sundack approval to promote three lieutenants to backfill his own position, Maire’s position and another officer who had retired. Likewise, three officers will be promoted to sergeant and five new patrolmen will be hired to account for both the promotions and retirements.

A hiring committee conducted interviews over the past several weeks.

“All six lieutenants who applied were exemplary candidates with the strong leadership qualities and exceptional careers,” said Rodrick. “It is clear that the Toms River Police Department is in good hands.”