Sommeling Retires, Klimakowski Named As New Undersheriff

Call it a changing of the guard.

Undersheriff William T. Sommeling will retire at the end of the year, after more than 40 years in law enforcement in Ocean County.

This has been a great run,” Sommeling said. “I would do it all over again.”

Sommeling began his career in 1955 as an officer in the Seaside Heights Police Department. He moved onto the then-Dover Township Police Department in 1967. He served as undersheriff from 1989 to 2000, then returned to the position in 2011, when Undersheriff Wayne Rupert died suddenly.

The Ocean County Board of Freeholders recognized Sommeling for his work at the Dec. 16 board meeting.

“I have worked with a lot of good people,” Sommeling said. “From Sheriff Polhemus and Sheriff Mastronardy, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, to the entire county family, all of these people are dedicated to helping the citizens of Ocean County.”

Retired Manchester Township Police Chief Brian Klimakowski, will be appointed to the position of Undersheriff and will be sworn in on Jan. 6.

“Brian will do a great job,” Sommeling said. “He is young, energetic and brings a great deal of law enforcement background to the office of Undersheriff. I know he will serve the citizens well.”

Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy said Klimakowski’s duties include overseeing the Ocean County Police Academy, Lakewood, training and technology for the department.

“Undersheriff Sommeling served a key role in helping during my transition,” Mastronardy said. “Having him here provided me with the historical perspective of the office along with a good understanding of the day to day operations. I wish Bill and his wife Pat nothing but the best.”

Sommeling had also served as a Casino Control Commissioner for 11 years including two years as vice chairman prior to returning to the Sheriff’s Office. He was also assigned to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and served as the Deputy Director of the Ocean County Narcotics Bureau where he was in charge of all of its field operations.

Sommeling also served as the County’s emergency management coordinator during Superstorm Sandy, which struck on his birthday – Oct. 29 in 2012.

“We help people in all kinds of situations,” he said. “Whether working a patrol or helping collect toys at Christmas, we reach out to the less fortunate and we provide a sense of comfort and stability to all our residents.”

Sommeling will spend his leisure time visiting friends and family, including his children, 14 grandchildren and eight great-granchildren.

Photo credit: Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.