By KENNY WALTER
Staff Writer
OCEANPORT — After serving as a police officer for 20 years, the last three as chief, Daniel Barcus has opted to call it a career.
The council announced the retirement, effective Nov. 30, during the Sept. 15 Borough Council meeting, with Mayor Jay Coffee declaring Sept. 15 to be “Chief Daniel Barcus Day in Oceanport.”
Coffey read a proclamation examining the outgoing chief’s long career with several commendations and awards.
“[Barcus] has been recognized over his career for academic achievement, exceptional duty, exceptional service and three lifesaving awards,” Coffey read.
Barcus, who will move to South Carolina, thanked the residents and all the elected officials, borough employees and officers he has worked with over the years.
“I couldn’t thank this town more for how they’ve taken me in and let me serve the last 20 years,” he said. “I think you are in great hands and you have great officers who care for you.”
Each member of council also thanked Barcus for his time serving the borough.
“The measure of when you retire is you leave the place in better shape than when you took it over, and you really did chief,” Council President Joseph Irace said. “We appreciate everything you did.”
Barcus started his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher for Spring Lake in 1991. He also formerly served as a special in South Belmar before officially joining the Oceanport Police Department in June of 1996. Barcus was promoted to detective in 2002 and promoted to captain in 2011.
Barcus was promoted in 2013 to chief, replacing Harold Sutton III.
