LONGPORT – On day one of Ray Burgan’s more-than-a-decade tenure as an officer of the Longport Police Department, then-Sergeant and now retired Chief Frank Culmone instructed the rookie officer to “call in the license” of a man who had one too many and decided to take a nap on the sidewalk.
Eager to please, Burgan went to the patrol vehicle to “call in the license” but couldn’t figure out how to work the radio. That comedy of error followed Burgan throughout his career whenever Culmone repeated the “call in the license” mantra to put things into perspective on both frustrating and rewarding days.
From left, Longport Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Lawler, Commissioner of Finance Jim Ulmer, Police Chief Ray Burgan and Mayor Patrick Armstrong.Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Lawler swore-in Burgan as the department’s eighth chief of police Wednesday, Feb. 18. Burgan’s wife Cherie, a captain in the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, held the Bible while their children Hazel and Vaughn watched from their seats. The entire Longport Police Department was there to support their new leader. Also in attendance were numerous police chiefs from around Atlantic County, along with Atlantic County Sheriff ‘Tokyo’ Joe O’Donoghue, Burgan’s parents, family and friends.
Culmone, who retired on Jan. 31, was in the room again asking Burgan to “call in the license” on his appointment to the top leadership position in the department.
“You led the department like a big brother or father figure,” Burgan said, calling Culmone one of the greatest leaders he has ever known. “You made us want to be better and do better. You were fair and firm in your approach, and I always admired that.”
Longport Police Chief Ray Burgan with members of the Longport Police Department, Mayor Patrick Armstrong and Commissioners Dan Lawler and Jim Ulmer.Shortly after he was hired, former Chief Vince Pacentrilli advised Burgan that “when the people of Longport call, nothing in your life matters more.” Fourteen years later, he still aims to satisfy Pacentrilli’s vision, Burgan said.
Burgan thanked numerous people who molded him into the man he is today – former chiefs, former Mayor Nicholas Russo and Commissioner Jim Leeds, his parents, brothers, teachers and coaches, all of whom showed him love and support and held him accountable for his actions, Burgan said. He thanked his mentors, including Capt. Jeff Lee of the Margate Police Department and others.
Burgan’s colleagues, who soon became friends while attending the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, drove or flew-in to witness his installation.
“I am a better man for having met each and every one of you,” Burgan told them.
From left, Cherie Burgan, Ray Burgan and their children Hazel and Vaughn.During a recent luncheon with senior citizens, Burgan said one woman said behind every successful man is a woman who has his back.
Burgan said he never had a great woman behind him. In thanking his wife, Burgan said Cherie has always been “out in front.”
“For years, I have been running and trying to keep up. I learned leadership from her by watching her live,” he said. “She is like my at-home FTO (field training officer).”
“I have met leaders of all ranks, including generals and police chiefs, but the greatest leader of all of them is my own wife.”
Burgan said the friends, coworkers, coaches, law enforcement officers, leaders and community members who were in the room are now part of his family.
“To me family just isn’t blood, it’s a team build on respect and shared values that stays with you in every season of life. Each of you have been that team for me. I can’t thank you enough.”
From left, Police Chaplain Lou Strugala, Atlantic County Sheriff's Office Chief Robert O'Donaghue, Linwood Police Chief Steve Cunningham, Sea Isle City Police Chief Tony Garreffi, Atlantic County Sheriff 'Tokyo' Joe O'Donoghue, Absecon Police Chief JR Laughlin, Longport Police Chief Ray Burgan, Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos and Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Fred Spano.Copyright Fideri News Network 2026
