Avalon Promotes William McCormick to Chief of Police

AVALON – A change of command has taken place at the top of the Avalon Police Department. Longtime Avalon Police Chief David Dean has retired, and Captain William McCormick has been promoted to the new Chief of Police for the Borough. Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi administered the oath to Chief McCormick during the Avalon Borough Council meeting on Wed., Oct. 26.
“I congratulate Bill and his wife Ann Marie on this promotion that is very well deserved”, Mayor Pagliughi said. “Both Dave and Bill have implemented many proactive, community-friendly police efforts which is appreciated by residents, property owners, and our visitors. Bill will make a terrific police chief for Avalon and will continue the outstanding efforts of the Avalon Police Department”.
Chief McCormick has served in the Avalon Police Department for 25 years. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1998 and promoted to Captain in 2007. Chief McCormick began his law enforcement career in 1985 at the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department and attended the Corrections Officers Training Academy in Trenton, New Jersey where he won the firearms award. Chief McCormick was born and raised in New York City before moving to Middle Township where he graduated from high school. The McCormicks live in Vineland and have a daughter and two grandchildren.
“I want to commend our outgoing Chief David Dean for an exemplary career in law enforcement and thank him personally for his tremendous service to the Borough of Avalon”, Pagliughi said. “Chief Dean brought a level of professionalism and dignity to the Avalon Police Department that surpasses even the highest of standards. It has been an honor to work with Chief Dean on many police and public safety projects in our community. The Borough of Avalon is a much better place thanks to the leadership of Chief Dean”.
Chief Dean began his law enforcement career in Avalon in January, 1987 and coincidentally went through the police academy with Chief McCormick. Dean had been the Chief of Police in Avalon for the past four years after working his way through the ranks for a quarter century. Dean and his wife Robin have been married for 33 years. He is a seven year veteran of the United States Army serving in both the 82nd Airborne Division and later with the 8th Infantry Artillery in Germany.
Also promoted during the meeting to the rank of Captain is Dave McCallion. John Roscoe was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant, and Charles Hewitt was welcomed as Probationary Patrolman.