Captain Jim Dowd Memorial Bench Dedication

On Thursday, October 1st, Plumsted Township officials had a memorial bench dedication at the 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 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, Committeeman Robert Bowen, Former Troopers Association representative Kenneth Wondrack, Plumsted Police Department, North Hanover Police Department, family, and friends.

Plumsted Township initiated a Memorial Bench Dedication program in 2019 at the request of Captain Dowd's brother who wanted to honor him.  To view the ordinance, please click here:  Chapter 43-7 Memorial Bench Program. For additional information about the Memorial Bench Program, please contact Jennifer Witham, Municipal Clerk/Business Administrator, at municipalclerk@plumsted.org or 609/758-2241, ext 101.