Barnegat Police Launch New Marine Unit

BARNEGAT, NJ — The Barnegat Police Department announced the launch of its new Marine Unit.

This new unit offers Barnegat police a greater ability to respond to life-threatening situations, crimes and quality of life complaints in and around the bay and waterways, police said in the announcement.

The need for waterborne resources and response options increases daily, police said, with the increase in recreational boaters and the popularity of the Barnegat bayfront.

Previously, police could rely on mutual aid through New Jersey State Police and the Ocean County Sherriff's Department, but response times are based on availability and call volume.

"The Marine Unit was recognized as a need during the build-out of the BTPD modernization plan, however, budget constraints made starting a unit cost-prohibitive," police said.

Police Chief Keith German challenged staff to recognize this need within the constraints of the budget.

Through the help of the community, this goal was realized.

Support Services Division Commander Jeff Ryan was able to get a surplus boat, 2014 Carolina Skiff 218, and trailer from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at no cost.

The boat needed a lot of TLC and equipment to be ready for duty, police said.

"With an incredible outpouring of support from local businesses and community groups as well as the support of other Barnegat Township municipal departments, we were able to get the boat outfitted and equipped with virtually no impact on the agency budget," police said.

Another boat, a 2012 Defender 14' inflatable skiff with trailer, was donated by Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company Station 11.

Germain applauded all of the effort and generosity that went into making the Marine Unit a reality.

“This all started with Lieutenant Ryan accepting the challenge and leveraging his professional network and abilities to drive this project forward,” Germain said.

“Add to that the hard work from DPW, the generosity of Barnegat Rotary and our local businesses, and the support of the Township Committee and we’ve shown that you can make the improbable possible.”

Barnegat police thanked many local groups for their help.

Members of the Barnegat Department of Public Works, especially Derek Kadlubowski, completed the engine and hull maintenance.

The DPW also printed and affixed the decal wraps, with special thanks to employee Charlie Coopie.

Coastal Sign & Design of West Creek donated the hull wrap.

The Rotary Club of Barnegat donated the GPS/Chartplotters.

Sherer's Boat Basin, INC. of Barnegat donated the VHF and FM Marine antennas.

Mariner’s Marina of Barnegat donated a slip for the boat.

TowBoatUS Barnegat Light & Beach Haven donated an Unlimited Gold Towing Membership.