STONE HARBOR – The Borough Council has recently been hearing from members of the public who want it to resolve contract issues with the Fraternal Order of Police as well as choose a new chief for the department. At the council meeting March 4, the council responded on both issues.
Capt. Christopher Palmer, a 21-year veteran of the Stone Harbor force, was sworn in as the new chief of police, replacing retired Chief Thomas Schutta.
Mayor Tim Carney noted that Palmer began his law enforcement career as a special officer in neighboring Avalon. He added that Palmer teaches firearms and water rescue at the county’s police academy. Palmer was promoted to captain in 2017.
Palmer said he is honored to be chief of a department that has been his professional home for most of his career. He said he is available to help in any way that he can to get the borough’s officers a new contract. The previous contract expired 14 months ago; the officers have worked without one since January 2024.
Carney said the borough has instructed its labor counsel to reengage in contract negotiations, and a meeting has been scheduled for April 2.
Palmer said that a high priority now is to get ready for the summer season, when a sleepy town of fewer than 1,000 permanent residents morphs into a summer resort with more than 20,000 visitors and second homeowners.
Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
