Retiring Jersey City police director may be last person to hold that title

Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 9:30 AM
By The Jersey Journal



Jersey City Police Director Sam Jefferson is retiring after more than 30 years with the city, and his departure could mean the end of the city?s police director position, The Jersey Journal reports.

Jefferson, 63, a U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam, is the department?s chief administrator, leading the 800-officer force along with Police Chief Tom Comey. Jefferson was appointed to the position in February 2004 during mayor Glenn Cunningham?s administration.

His annual salary is $143,899. He also earns an annual $62,952 pension from his time on the police force, state records show.

Jefferson told city officials last week of his intention to retire.

?He has been a model public servant, a dedicated father and family man, and a role model to countless young people in our city over the past four decades,? Mayor Jerramiah Healy said in a statement about Jefferson.

Downtown Councilman Steve Fulop hailed Jefferson?s professionalism and conduct as ?extremely strong.?
Jefferson, who could not be reached for comment, was born in New York City, but has a long history in Jersey City. His family moved here when he was 4 months old, and he attended School 24, Lincoln High School and New Jersey City University, then known as Jersey City State College.

He became a Jersey City police officer in 1979, and was promoted to sergeant 10 years later. He served in the department?s Internal Affairs unit until his retirement from the force in 2001. He then led the city?s commerce division for three years before his appointment as police director.

Jefferson could be the city?s last police director.
According to city officials, Healy is thinking of either creating a ?Director of Public Safety? position to lead both the Police and Fire departments, or let Comey alone manage the police force.

Fulop backs the creation of the public safety post, saying he will introduce a measure to create the position at the council?s Feb. 8 meeting. Fulop said he?s been discussing the idea with city attorneys since last April.