New Chief Of Police Named In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Capt. John Storrow, a 28-year member of the township police force, has been named the next leader of the Howell Township Police Department, the township manager has announced.

Storrow was named police chief on Friday and the position takes effect Monday, after a brief swearing in. A more formal ceremony will take place at a Township Council meeting in September, Interim Township Manager Joe Clark said, at which time Mayor Theresa Berger will officiate at Storrow's swearing in.

"Based on Chief Storrow’s professional accomplishments, educational achievements, numerous certifications and trainings, and many recognitions across his 28 years of service with the Howell Township Police Department, I am 100 percent confident in his capacity to fulfill his new leadership role," said Interim Township Manager Joe Clark.

"I am pleased and proud to announce I know Chief Storrow will not only represent the department well, but will continue to make the Howell Township community proud of our fine police department," Clark said.

Under the Township-Manager form of government in Howell, it was Clark's role, in collaboration with others, to interview the three captains seeking the position and make the final hiring choice. For example, former Chief Dan Shaffery of the Little Silver Police Department, attended the interviews as an advisor/consultant, Clark said.

"I would be truly remiss not to acknowledge the high quality of all three candidates who interviewed for the position of chief, which attests to the wealth of talent, expertise and professionalism this department possesses from the top down. It is also why our police department is the envy of other departments across the state," Clark said.

The other captains interviewed were Interim Chief Mark Pilecki and Capt. Thomas Rizzo, said Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond. She noted that the Township Council does not choose the chief or vote on the appointment but it comes under the responsibility of the township manager.

Pilecki replaced Chief Andrew A. Kudrick Jr., who retired for another position in March after seven years as chief and decades with the department. Kudrick was the subject of a no-confidence vote in December in the midst of a dispute with the Howell Township PBA, which accused him of trying to sabotage the union. Kudrick has never addressed that matter publicly and had wished Pilecki well in the transition period.

Storrow, who lives with his family in Jackson, was praised by Clark for his experience and educational background. Clark summarized Storrow's resume in a news release:

Storrow started his law enforcement career at the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office in 1993. He joined the Howell Township Police Department in 1995 as an officer in the police department’s patrol division. Then followed a succession of promotions: He became a field training officer and sergeant in 2003, detective sergeant in 2005, lieutenant in 2011, and captain in 2015.

Since 2000, Storrow has served on both the Howell Township Police Department S.W.A.T. team and the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team as an assistant team leader, tactical operator, and explosives breacher.

In 2014, Storrow trained for three months at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., one of the foremost law enforcement schools in the world, Clark said.

"He has completed many professional certifications and trainings, including internal affairs policy and procedures through the New Jersey State Division of Criminal Justice; ICS I-700 in incident command systems through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; hostage rescue tactics and combat skills at Fort Dix; supervision and police management through the U.S. Department of Justice; and missing children dynamics and response through the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children." Clark noted.

Storrow holds certifications as a Monmouth County firearms instructor and a patrol assault rifle instructor through the New Jersey State Division of Criminal Justice Police Training Commission.

Storrow has earned a master's degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an associate’s degree from the College of Staten Island, Clark said.

Throughout his career, Storrow has received numerous awards and commendations, including a
New Jersey Assembly Resolution for outstanding performance, awards for lifesaving and honorable service, and a unit citation during his tenure in the detective bureau," Clark said.

"Please join me in congratulating Chief Storrow and wishing him all the best as he fulfills his new leadership role for our police department and township," Clark said.