After Nearly 42 Years, Howell Police Chief Carter Ready To Relax

Howell Township Police Chief Ronald Carter remembers when dirt roads were more common than the paved ones in the area. When you knew your neighbors by name and not just by a passing wave.

Over a nearly 42-year law enforcement career, Carter has watched the township that he grew up change as well.

Now, he’s decided it’s time for another change. After 22 years as chief, Carter is retiring.

“There was a time when everyone knew just about everyone else,” Carter said recently as the township announced his impending retirement. “Those were very fond memories for me and the town just isn’t the same any longer. I guess you can say that the community grew up.”

Carter’s retirement becomes effective July 1. Officials said Carter has no accumulated sick time, and currently has his 25 vacation days for 2015. If he does not use those vacation days then he will be paid for them upon his retirement.

Howell Township’s Manager, Jeffrey Mayfield, will choose his successor.

Carter, a 1969 Howell High School graduate, received his associate’s degree from Brookdale Community College, which opened at that time, and his bachelor’s from Stockton Community College , according to the release.

He joined the Howell Township Police Department as a dispatcher in 1974 at the encouragement of former chief Harvey Morrell, according to the release. He became a patrolman a few months later and worked his way up through the ranks, earning promotions to sergeant, lieutenant and then, on April 1, 1993, to chief. While serving as chief, he has been actively involved in the New Jersey State Police Chiefs Association, serving on various committees.

To this day, Carter credits Morrell with helping to guide him along the path of success.

In 2000 Carter served as president of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association and was chairman of the board of directors of the Monmouth County Police Academy. He also has attended a number of leadership and management courses over the years and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar training. He is currently completing the requirements for his graduate degree in public administration.

Carter, a Master Mason with Mt. Pisgah Lodge 48 of Free and Accepted Masons in Asbury Park, is an avid outdoorsman and private pilot and is ranked in several different styles of martial arts, with his highest rank being a fourth-degree black belt in two different styles of karate, according to the release.