Council Celebrates Retiring Ocean City Chief Of Police

OCEAN CITY, NJ — On the eve of his retirement, the Ocean City Council took time to honor Police Chief Jay Prettyman, who is completing a 32-year career in law enforcement.

"I wish I hated my job. It would make leaving a lot easier," Prettyman said at Thursday's City Council meeting.

Mayor Jay Gillian and the council presented Prettyman with a proclamation honoring his career.

Prettyman began working as a seasonal police officer in Ocean City in 1993, while working as a full-time officer in Haddon Heights. He joined Ocean City's force full-time in 1995 and served as patrolman in the traffic safety unit, sergeant of staff services, patrol lieutenant, detective lieutenant and captain of police.

He became acting police chief in 2018 and formally took over as chief in 2019.

Throughout his tenure as chief, Prettyman faced multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and juvenile justice reform. The proclamation honored him for the way he navigated said challenges.

"Prettyman earned the deepest respect of his fellow officers, city team members and Ocean City residents," the proclamation read.

Prettyman's successor will be Deputy Chief Bill Campbell.

Also honored was Ken Jones, retiring after serving as the city's zoning officer and municipal code enforcement manager.

A proclamation praised Jones for his ability to strike a balance between the needs of individual owners and the interests of the public.

"It's been an honor and a privilege working for the city," Jones said. Now, Jones said, the younger generation will take over and do the job.