Toms river appoints 33-year veteran cop as new chief of police

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River officially named a new top cop Monday night as Mayor Dan Rodrick swore in Chief Guy Maire during the Township Council meeting.

Mayor Rodrick nominated Maire for the promotion and was endorsed by the majority of the township council.

Councilmembers David Ciccozzi, Tom Nivison, and James Quinlisk abstained from the vote for the veteran leader.

Maire, a 33-year veteran of the Toms River Police Department, was appointed following the retirement of Acting Chief Peter Sundack. His promotion marks a significant shift in leadership for one of Ocean County’s largest municipalities.

“Captain Maire is more than qualified with an exceptional lifetime of service to Toms River,” said Council President Justin Lamb, a Lavalette police officer.

Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick credited Chief Maire’s vast experience and dedication to the community.

“Congratulations to Chief Maire on this prestigious accomplishment,” the township announced on social media.

Mayor Rodrick praised Maire’s decades of service and leadership, noting the department is “in excellent hands.”

“He is a lifelong resident, reflecting his love of this job and his dedication to the people of Toms River,” Mayor Rodrick said. “I am proud and excited to have Guy Maire at the helm of the police department.”

Chief Maire thanked Mayor Rodrick and the members of the township council for providing him with the opportunity to lead the department.

Despite an attempt by the three dissenting councilmembers to turn the appointment process into a political circus, the remaining councilmembers voted unanimously in favor of Chief Maire’s appointment.

Councilman Tom Nivison criticized Rodrick’s appointment of Maire, calling the mayor “a snake.”

“How many times have you been arrested, Tom?” Rodrick asked the dissenting councilman., referring to a series of police involved incidents and police reports involving Nivison. “We’ll pull the records.”

The transition comes as Sundack announced his retirement after serving in the acting role since the departure of Police Chief Mitch Little last year.

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