SHERIFF ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden is pleased to announce the appointments of Robert Dawson and Michael Donovan Jr. to undersheriffs of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert Dawson, who was sworn in on Tuesday, February 15, by Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson, has been the chief of the Spring Lake Police Department since 1996. Prior to joining the Spring Lake Police Department in 1985 where he rose through the ranks, Dawson was a police officer with the Spring Lake Heights Police Department. “Undersheriff Dawson brings with him a wealth of experience to the Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “His law enforcement background, leadership skills and expertise in administration will be a great asset to this agency.” As undersheriff, Dawson will be in charge of the Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center. Dawson resides in Spring Lake with his wife Jennifer and four children.

Michael Donovan Jr. who was also sworn in as undersheriff has been with the agency since 2008 as Chief Warrant Officer. Prior to that Donovan spent 23 years at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office before retiring in the post as lieutenant in 2005. As undersheriff, Donovan will be in charge of the law enforcement division. Donovan resides in Neptune.

Undersheriff Theoadore Freeman who has been an undersheriff since 2004 will serve as acting sheriff in the absence of Sheriff Golden. Freeman resides in Spring Lake.

In addition, several positions at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution have been backfilled through retired positions. “These essential positions within the Monmouth County Correctional Institution come at a costs savings, since the salaries for newly appointed sergeants and recently hired corrections officers begin at a lower rate on the pay scale,” said Sheriff Golden. A deputy warden, two captains, two lieutenants and seven sergeants were officially sworn in to the positions on February 15, by Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson.