2 rise up the ranks in Somers Point Police Department

Last Updated on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 01:55 pm Written by Bill LeConey Tuesday, January 29, 2013 01:07 pm

sworn in captains Michael Sweeney and Robert Somers

SOMERS POINT – The Police Department rewarded two veteran officers for their many years of service to the community by promoting them to the rank of captain last week.

Robert Somers and Michael Sweeney were sworn in as captains by Chief Michael Boyd at the City Council meeting Thursday, Jan. 24 before a throng of family and friends.

The two former lieutenants filled positions that were left vacant for about a year and a half by a retirement and by the promotion of Boyd from captain to chief of police.

Somers has been on the force since 1990. He has been the patrol division commander for a little more than a year, and will remain in that position.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of years and a lot of hard work,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed my job.”

Sweeney, a Somers Point native, has been on the force since 1991. His mother recently retired from the school district.

“It has absolutely been an aspiration of mine to rise to this rank,” he said. “I’m just very honored and privileged that we’ve been able to establish ourselves and qualify for this position. I’m looking forward to the challenges it brings.”

Sweeney said his duties will largely remain the same, but that he will take on more administrative responsibilities as delegated by the chief, and act in his absence if necessary.