Retiring chief expected
to head police academy
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — Police Chief John G. McCormack, who will leave his position in December, is expected to be named the new director of the Monmouth County Police Academy, Freehold Township.
Monmouth County Freeholder Thomas Powers told the News Transcript that McCormack, 59, is the Board of Freeholders’ choice to fill the post. A vote later this month is expected to make the decision official.
"He will start in December," Powers said. "[Although] we haven’t voted on it as yet, the entire board is in favor of it."
Powers said McCormack was selected for the position because of his 30-plus years in the field of law enforcement.
"He was recommended by the board of directors of the police academy, by the police chiefs association and also by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office," Powers said. "He is a man with vast experience and we think he will do an excellent job there."
McCormack will succeed Wesley Mayo as the director of the police academy. Mayo has held the position for 15 years.
McCormack will make sure that the training of all the men and women from the towns in Monmouth County who have passed the test to become police officers receive proper training during their 20 weeks at the academy.
Powers said McCormack will be in charge of setting up any special training for police officers who have already graduated from the academy and are working in the county. Many of those courses are recommended by the police chiefs association.
The salary for the position is expected to be $71,000.
"Jack is just a great guy," said Powers. "He’ll do an excellent job. We’ve had good people in the past and we continue to appoint good people today and in the future."
On Sept. 19, McCormack announced his retirement from the Manalapan Police Department. He has been with the department for 31 years and has served as chief since 1997.
"At this particular point in my career, this to me is a wonderful opportunity to be able to move over to the police academy as its new director," said McCormack. "I’m thrilled, excited and filled with enthusiasm that I’m going to have the opportunity to help train and educate our new, young police officers in today’s complex and diversified [world]."
McCormack said having a chance to help young people become police officers is an honor.
"It takes a special person to become a police officer," he said. "I’ve always said that. To be involved in the educational process is extremely exciting for me and to be able to instill integrity and honesty and all of these types of things in young people, I’m just very happy. I am looking forward to the challenge. I think my type of leadership and management will be well received at the police academy."
McCormack said the officers who train at the academy are its most important asset. He said he will aim to bring professionalism and experience to the job.
"I am grateful for the support from the freeholders, the board of directors at the police academy, Prosecutor John Kaye and the Police Chiefs Association for having confidence in me and for selecting me as the new director," McCormack said.