Barnegat Township Committee Can't Comment On What Happened With Suspended Police Chief:Mayor

So why was Barnegat Police Chief Arthur P. Drexler suspended back in July?

Many in town would like to know why. But it's a question that won't be answered just yet, Mayor John Novak said at a recent Township Committee meeting.

"This Committee has no news that can be shared about regarding our chief," the mayor said. "We cannot make any comment whatsoever. You have to have patience."

Police Capt. Richard Dugan has been running department operations since the suspension with pay, which was effective immediately. Township Administrator Martin J. Lisella told Drexler in person on Monday, Township Attorney Jerry Dasti said.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has not commented except to say that all actions so far have been taken by Township Committee, said Capt. Jack Sramaty of the Prosecutor’s Office.

Novak has said day to day department operations have not been affected. Novak, a former New Jersey State Trooper, has been in the department every day almost every day.

“I know they (the police department) can count on the government side to help any way we can,” he has said.

Image: Barnegat Township