Special Police Officer Earns Promotion, Praise In Stafford

STAFFORD, NJ — Stafford Township formally swore in Ryan Dugan as a patrol officer after Police Chief Russell Griffin said that Dugan was selected following the retirement of another officer.

Griffin said Dugan, 21, is a resident of Barnegat and that the department is trying to have him move to Stafford Township. He said Dugan grew up in Barnegat, played lacrosse and graduated from Barnegat High School with honors. Griffin also said Dugan graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy, class of 120, where he earned the physical fitness award.

According to Griffin, Dugan completed 60 college credits at Stockton University, where he is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Griffin said Dugan was hired by Stafford Township as a part-time special officer in July 2025 and was promoted to a full-time Class II special officer in May 2026.

“I've been hearing great feedback about Ryan and the job he's doing,” Griffin said. He said the department has received several positive comments from residents and performance notices from supervisors.

Griffin said Dugan has made more than 1,000 motor vehicle stops and handled more than 1,500 calls for service during the past year.

“He's doing a great job,” Griffin said. “Like I said, hearing great feedback about his performance and the kind of person he is. So we're proud to have, and excited to have him on board. And congratulations!”