During the ceremony, performed by Judge Richard Russell, Prettyman’s wife, Tiffany, stood by his side, as their daughter, Chloe, 16, held the Bible. Also on stage was the chief's father, John N. Prettyman, a retired deputy chief from Voorhees Township, Camden County.
Prettyman said throughout his career, from the many assignments, to erratic schedule and long hours, his wife has always been supportive. He recalled how the two met while working at a restaurant in Ocean City over the summers. She went on to become a history teacher, he went into the police academy. “She has given me the time and flexibility to get to where I am today, so I thank her for that,” Prettyman said. He pointed out that both Chloe and the couple’s other daughter, Phoebe, 20, who was away at college and could not attend the ceremony, have been understanding of their father’s job, which he admitted could be difficult for young people who live in a town where their father is a police officer. Police Chief Jay Prettyman says he is excited to be the new chief and is ready to work. Prettyman began his law enforcement career serving as a summer police officer in Ocean City in 1992 and 1993. He joined the department full time in 1995 and worked his way up the ranks. “We are making official what we already know,” City Business Administrator George Savastano told the audience of Prettyman's qualifications and leadership abilities. Savastano, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Jay Gillian, who could not attend the ceremony following the death of his mother, called Prettyman a great man who is professional, compassionate and enthusiastic, a man who will lead the department well. Savastano then said that the men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day.Simonson's son, Jonathan Simonson, was sworn in as a new officer in the department and joined his father, brother, Edward, and mother, Jacqueline Simonson, on stage during the ceremony.
In addition to Jonathan Simonson, new officers are as follows: Michael Hinsley, Jacob Johnson, Neal Cullen, Steven Schmidt, Jenna Cuomo, Clayton Harper, Randall Clark, James Crowley and Benjamin Bethea. Swearing in of lieutenants. Sergeants swearing in ceremony.