The History of Lavallette

Posted on January 26th, 2008

The earliest form of police protection that was provided the citizens of Lavallette was that of the marshal. The first marshal, according to public records, was Joseph Patterson, who assumed the position in 1881. During the marshal phase, members of the council were authorized to serve as police officer.

Salem Moyer, One of the first constables
in Lavallette in the 1920’s

Because of the limited population during Lavallette’s early years, the marshal’s duties were relatively easy. The position was, at best, a part time one. Salem Moyer, Tom Shinkos, Peter Bloom, and Charles Hankins, Sr. were among the last men to have the title of constable. The end of the marshal era came in 1927. The first “Police Officer” was Charlie Chadwick who also became the first police chief. In 1936, when there were two or more permanent officers on the force, Joseph Borrelli was appointed chief, a position he held until his retirement in 1973. He was succeeded by Jerry Johnson, Frank Brice and Frederick Swearingen. In 2004 Retired Lt. Colonel Louis Taranto was appointed as public safety director until the current chief Colin Grant took over.

Captain Harold Brackman & Chief Joe Borrelli - 1972

Chief Borrelli was supported by the mayor, council, and special officers who served without pay. Among those were Victor Paul, Ted Bloom, Bob Kurmin and Arthur Kadeg. In the late 1930’s, the officer began to receive pay and generally worked in the summer . During this period Harold Brackman joined the force and rose to the rank of Captain before his retirement in August 1972.

Chief Joe Borrelli in the best equipped police car
along the coast in 1937. Siren, Light and First Aid Kit

Chief Borrelli And Captian Brackman provided the mainstay of the force, with Dave Bendy and Albert J, Eberhard assisting. These men, along with the special officers handled the law enforcement for the Borough. It was not until March 5, 1948, that Ordnance 112 was passed, establishing the Police Department. this ordnance called for a chief, sergeant, patrolman, and extra patrolman. The present department calls for chief, sergeants, patrol officers, telecommunications officers, and special officers.

Tom Shinkos, First motorcycle policeman, 1925

In the early day there was no jail except for county facilities. If there were prisoners they would be held in makeshift quarters. Lavallette got its first jail when the Borough all was built in 1928. The department moved into its present headquarters in 1961 when the town purchased the old first aid building. The building has been altered many times since its purchase.

Christmas 1962

Back: Frank Brice, Ernie Neuhauser, David Bendy, William Osborn, Jerry Johnson, Dick Paul
Front: Harold Brackman, Mayor James Hankins, Councilman Robert Kurmin, and Chief Joe Borrelli

Because there was no need for a municipally owned police car before the 1920’s, those who served before that time used there own vehicles or none at all. Today the department has five police patrol vehicles, two 4×4 patrol vehicles, chief vehicle, two all terrain vehicles, and a jet ski so it can patrol the roads, beaches, and bay front effectively.

The Lavallette Police Department does more then just provide protection for the community. We have co-sponsored teen dances at the tennis courts during the summer. We have an active Drug Abuse Resistance Education program for young people currently run by Patrolman Frank White. We are involved the the Municipal Alliance program that funds recreational and educational projects for all ages. We also have a program in place for the seniors citizens that incorporates a daily phone check in to assure that citizens are not in need of help, which has aided many of Lavallette’s older residents who have required assistance.

Past Chiefs

Marshal
Joseph Patterson

Constable’s
Salem Moyer
Tom Shinkos
Peter Bloom
Charles Hankins, Sr

Chief’s
Chief Charlie Chadwick 1927?

Chief Joe Borrelli 1936-1973