October 4, 2020
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Thursday, October 1, Plumsted Township (New Egypt) officials dedicated a memorial bench at the township’s municipal building in honor of retired New Jersey State Police Captain James “Jim” Dowd #1503, who passed away on January 17, 2019, at the age of 86.
Captain Dowd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and joined the New Jersey State Police on August 3, 1956 as a member of the 51st State Police Class. He served 30 years in various assignments and retired in 1986 at the rank of captain.
Captain Dowd was a longtime resident of Plumsted and spent considerable time serving on the township’s zoning board, planning board, and land use board. He was chosen to be honored because of his service to his country, state, and community. Captain Dowd’s life of service truly exemplified our core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.
In attendance for the special ceremony were his daughter Deneen, son-in-law Lee, and his grandsons Jimmy and Tommy.
Several years ago, Captain Dowd had the honor of presenting Tommy with his graduation certificate after he completed the 106th Trooper Youth Week Class. Tommy is currently a police officer for North Hanover Township.
Also in attendance were Assemblyman Ron Dancer, Mayor Herb Marinari, Deputy Mayor and retired NJSP Lieutenant Eric Sorchik, Committeeman Leonard Grilletto, Former Troopers Association representative Kenneth Wondrack, Plumsted Police Department, North Hanover Police Department, family, and friends.
A special thank you to Plumsted Township Public Safety Director retired NJSP Major Wendy Galloway and Municipal Clerk Jennifer Witham.
Assemblyman Ron Dancer
Photos and story provided by NJSP