The Ocean County Freeholders are remembering  William Polhemus as "the consummate law enforcement professional."

Willliam Polhemus
Willliam Polhemus (Ocean County Sheriff's Department)
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“We are deeply saddened by this great loss,” said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little in a statement. “Bill has played an integral role in Ocean County government for many, many years. He will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Agnes and his family and many friends,” Little said.

Polhemus died on Friday night at a hospital in Livingston after an unspecified cardiac procedure. He was 84 and had served as Ocean County Sheriff since 1986.

Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety, said that Polhemus' efforts made the Ocean County Sheriff's Department "one of the finest in the state" thanks to his implementation of the county’s 911 system and upgrading the communication network for the county’s emergency responders.

Polhemus' charitable work was remembered by Freeholder Joseph Vicari. “For more than a decade, with his department, he spearheaded a holiday food and toy drive that reached more than 1,000 families each year, helping them to have a better Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Vicari said. “Bill made an effort to reach out to everyone in this County and he had an impact on many lives.”

Freeholder James F. Lacey recalled his work on Project Lifesaver and the Child Passenger Safety Seat Program. “I know those programs have had an impact on thousands of our residents. Bill was there for everyone. He was a good man, a loving husband and father, who was committed to the citizens of Ocean County. We will always remember him that way.”

Viewings will be held at the Timothy Ryan Funeral Home located at 145 St. Catherine Boulevard in Toms River on Thursday from 2PM-5PM and 7PM - 9PM.

A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11AM  at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River on Hooper Avenue.

No memorial service is planned.

 

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