Two New Police Leaders in City: Deputy chief and police inspector
Coaster Photo
Mark Kinmon was sworn in as deputy chief of police in Asbury Park this week. Chris Van Buren was sworn in as police inspector.
By ELLEN CARROLL
Two longtime members of the Asbury Park Police Department were sworn in to top positions in the department this week marking, what the city manager described as, an historic moment.
Mark Kinmon, a member of the force for 16 years, was sworn in as deputy chief and Chris Van Buren, a 14-year veteran of the department, was sworn in as police inspector.
This is a very significant day in our city, said City Manager Terry Reidy. Leadership provided is critical to the success of the city. My expectations are high. Our city is at a point where we need to have those types of expectations.
Kinmon replaces Gilbert Reed, who served as acting deputy chief for the last year. Van Buren takes Kinmons position as police inspector. Kinmon, who was the departments first inspector, served a little more than a year in that position.
Deputy Mayor Jim Bruno, who attended the ceremony, said he believes the promotions will bring much-needed stability to the department.
Morale should go up and I think the department should function better, he said. That will be a plus for all of us.
Kinmon said he was overwhelmed by the show of support at the swearing in Monday.
Now that we have gotten past the ceremony I look forward to devoting my time to bringing stability back to the department, Kinmon said. When I say that the community and city deserve a professional, courteous police department I truly mean that and I will do everything I can to bring that to the city. I look forward to working with Chris Van Buren and working on short term and long term goals.
Kinmon began his law enforcement career in the sheriffs department where he worked for two years before joining the city department.
Reidy said Kinmon will be in charge now that Police Director Lou Jordan is leaving the department Dec. 31. Jordan is currently on vacation. City officials are searching for a new director. During the summer Reidy told Jordan his contract would not be renewed, a decision supported by the City Council.
Reidy said PERF, Police Executive Research Forum, which has 3,000 members, has sent a description of the directors position to all its members. He also said he is working with the state Police Chiefs Association and the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office for a replacement.
Councilman John Loffredo said he is looking forward to the new police leadership in the city and a bright future for the city.
Councilman Ed Johnson said he believed the promotions will provide a big boost in terms of morale and effectiveness in the police department.
Councilman Jim Keady, who was also present at the ceremony, said he was also pleased with the promotions, calling it a positive move for the city.
Reidy said the top three officers taking the deputy chiefs test were Tony Salerno, Kinmon and Reed.
The top three for inspector were Tony Salerno, Rocco Santorsola, who has left the department, Tom McDonald, Van Buren and David Kelso.
Reidy said all the candidates had something to offer the city.
It is my hope and expectation that even those…who were not selected to this position will continue to work and support this department, these two men, and all the other men and women who serve our city.
Reidy thanked Reed for his work for the city.
Acting Deputy Chief Gilbert Reed served this city for over a year. And Gilbert I thank you for what youve done in that role. I know that he loves this city and this department and that speaks volumes.
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