LONGPORT – The Police Department today announced that Lt. Ray Burgan has been selected to replace Chief Frank Culmone whose retirement became effective Friday, Jan. 30.
According to a release, Burgan will continue the department’s mission of professional, community-focused policing.
The release stated that Culmone “led with integrity, steady judgment, and a relentless focus on the safety and quality of life of our residents. Under his leadership, the department strengthened its professionalism, modernized operations, and reinforced the close relationship between our officers and the community we serve.”
Burgan was selected through an intensive application process.
According to Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Lawler, two lieutenants vied for the position.
Following interviews with the candidates, Lawler said both were highly qualified for the position but Burgan’s tenure in the department and advanced training led to his selection.
Burgan, who served as the department’s Public Information Officer for several years, started in Longport in 2012 and was promoted to sergeant in 2018. He has received numerous commendations and awards and graduated from the invitation-only Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar program.
“(It) was a transformative experience that reinforced the vital importance of strong leadership, clear communication, and building meaningful relationships in modern law enforcement,” Burgan said upon graduating from the prestigious program in July 2024. “I gained fresh perspectives on how to effectively lead and communicate with my team, as well as establish and nurture productive partnerships with fellow law enforcement professionals. These skills will be instrumental in my continued effort to serve and protect our community by building trust and cooperation across different agencies and stakeholders."
He is also a lieutenant in the Air National Guard.
Burgan was sworn-in Thursday during a private ceremony in Commission Chambers attended by several officers along with municipal staffers. A formal swearing-in ceremony will be held at the next Board of Commissioners meeting 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Lawler said despite an incident in 2023 where Burgan discharged his weapon during a welfare check, he is confident Burgan would continue to lead the department and its professional, community-based policing strategies.
Lawler said the Attorney General issued a final report about the incident on Monday that cleared the way for Burgan’s appointment.
Body-worn video obtained by Downbeach.com’s sister publication BreakingAC provides insight into the shooting that took place Dec. 2, 2023. No one was struck or injured but a resident fell to the floor screaming in fear.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office was initially designated as the independent prosecutor for the investigation, under the supervision of the Office of the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity & Accountability.
“After reading all the reports, speaking to everyone involved and seeing the video, I had no problem appointing him as our chief,” Lawler said. “It was a mistake made and he went through a lot over the last two-and-a-half years dealing with it. He's going to be our long-term chief and the other commissioners are on board with my decision."
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