Barnegat Committee Appoints Dugan As Acting Police Chief

Barnegat Police Capt. Richard Dugan has a new title - Acting Police Chief.

The Barnegat Township Committee appointed Dugan as acting police chief at the Nov. 15 meeting. Dugan has been running the department since late July, when Chief Arthur Drexler was suspended, according to The Sandpaper.

Dugan has been with the Barnegat Police Department for 29 years and has previously served as a squad captain.

“The Barnegat Township Police Department is one of the finest police forces with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work,” said Mayor John Novak. “Officer Dugan has a lot of expertise and has the respect of his fellow officers. I want to assure the community that police day-to-day operations have not been affected. Among his fellow officers, our acting chief is known as a cop’s cop. He’s done everything from directing traffic to making drug arrests.”

“In working with him I can see where he goes above and beyond the call of duty,” added Committeewoman Susan McCabe. “The police force is in very good hands and I have confidence in his leadership.”

But township officials say they are still cannot discuss why Drexler was suspended, even though several audience members pressed for details.

The township "still cannot comment at this time," Mayor John Novak said.

Novak said the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has investigated the matter, but would not provide further details.

Prosecutor's office spokesman Al Della Fave said the office began investigating after the township provided information.

“I cannot provide any more details at this time,” he said.

The Barnegat Police Department's Facebook page still has Drexler's photo under the chief position.

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Image: Patch file photo