JACKSON, NJ – Nearly twenty years to the date, Ashley Ventura, the daughter of a Jackson Township police officer killed in the line of duty in March of 2021 has graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy and is now a police officer like her dad.
Ashley was just four years old when on March 18, 2001, her dad, Patrolman Robert Ventura was killed on duty.
Ventura was on patrol and driving his police cruiser when a vehicle made a left turn in front of his car. In an attempt to avoid a collision with that car, Ventura’s vehicle struck another vehicle head-on. The driver was charged with motor vehicle violations, but Ventura died from his injuries.
On Monday, March 29th, the Ocean County Police Academy convened a graduation ceremony for those recruits completing the Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer course.
Among those graduating was Ashley Ventura.
Chief Matthew D. Kunz, and Sergeant Wayne Olejarz, were honored to be able to stand in and present Ashley Ventura with her Class I certificate at the graduation ceremony.
Ashley is beginning her own law enforcement career with the Toms River Township Police Department, and her extended Jackson Police Department family wishes her good health, safety, and success as she begins this special chapter in her journey.
A memorial for Patrolman Robert Ventura is located outside police headquarters at the Jackson Justice Complex.