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STONE HARBOR APPOINTS NEW POLICE CHIEF

21-YEAR POLICE VETERAN PROMOTED TO PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERSHIP POST

STONE HARBOR, N.J. — (March 4, 2025) — A 21-year decorated police captain who rose through the ranks of the Borough of Stone Harbor has been promoted to Chief of the borough’s police force.

Capt. Christopher Palmer’s promotion was approved today by the Borough Council, effective March 3, 2025. He was sworn in by Mayor Tim Carney, with his wife and children nearby in attendance. His promotion highlights a lifetime of public safety experience, punctuated with numerous awards and honors for exemplary service.

Appointed captain in 2017, Palmer has received ribbons for Merit, Bravery, and Lifesaving, and has been awarded a Chief’s Commendation. Within the Stone Harbor Police Department, he has worked his way from Police Recruit to Patrol Sergeant to Captain. He is a former member of the of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team and Class President of his Cape May County Police Academy graduating class. He continues to instruct both Firearms and Water Rescue at the Cape May County Police Academy.

Palmer joined the Stone Harbor police force as a full-time recruit in 2003 after serving as a special officer in adjacent Avalon Borough where he earned academic achievement and merit awards.

Appointed sergeant in 2009, Palmer was assigned to both the Patrol and Detective Divisions. He has received specialized training in many areas of police work including Methods of Instruction, Field Training, Criminal Investigation, Firearms, Physical Fitness, Impaired Driving, Leadership, Juvenile Delinquency, School Safety, Special Weapons and Tactics, Water Safety, and Police Supervision.

A native of Spring Lake, N.J., where he served as a lifeguard, Palmer earned a B.A. from Elizabethtown College and a Master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He lives in Dennis Township with his wife and three children.

Stone Harbor Mayor Tim Carney commended Palmer on his promotion, career service and accomplishments. “The role of police chief is one that demands strength, resilience, and, above all, a commitment to doing what is right. Chief Palmer has consistently demonstrated these qualities.

Whether through his leadership in community outreach programs, his dedication to reducing crime, or his focus on building trust between law enforcement and the people he serves, Chief Palmer has set a standard for what it means to be a true public servant.”

He continued, “The residents and visitors of Stone Harbor are indeed fortunate to have the caliber, dedication and professionalism displayed by Chief Palmer. His qualifications, record of service, leadership and familiarity with the Borough will serve our community well, for many years to come.”

Chief Palmer thanked Mayor Carney and Council members for their confidence in his leadership. “I am humbled by this honor and will work every day to help ensure the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors. Stone Harbor has been my professional home for more than two decades, and I look forward to continued service in this very special place.”

Palmer succeeds Thomas J. Schutta as Police Chief, who served Stone Harbor for 30 years.