Well over 100 people gathered on Jan. 11 at Red Bank Borough Hall to witness the official designation of former police Capt. Stephen G. Mc- Carthy as the borough’s new police chief.

With his family looking on, Red Bank police Capt. Stephen G. McCarthy is sworn in as chief by state Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr. on Jan. 11. KIMBERLY STEINBERG State Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr., a former colleague at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, swore in McCarthy, 46, to lead the borough’s 41- officer department.

“He always had what it takes to be chief. He’s very dedicated, organized and very professional,” Mellaci said.

Mellaci spoke of his experiences working with the new chief when McCarthy was a detective.

“I saw Steve’s work ethic,” he said. “He’s a great man, father, husband, and he follows in a great line of police chiefs.”

First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Peter E. Warshaw Jr. described Mc- Carthy as “one of the best guys you could ever meet.”

“He’s smart, but a lot of guys are smart. His heart separates him from others. He really cares and works ’round the clock. He studies. We’re all so proud of you,” Warshaw told McCarthy and the crowd that spilled deep into the hallway outside the council chambers.

“It’s great to welcome you on board,” Mayor Pasquale Menna told McCarthy. “Your support and dedication to Red Bank is obvious. You have the admiration of the court staff and the glowing support of [former chief] Mark Fitzgerald.”

McCarthy’s father, retired Jersey City police Lt. Stephen McCarthy, said: “They picked the right guy. He’s intelligent and honest.”

The new chief was quick to credit his father.

“My father taught me honor and integrity and to treat everyone equally, not just by what he said, but by his actions,” McCarthy told his audience.

McCarthy said he would incorporate lessons he learned from his father as well as the chiefs he’s worked under, including Fitzgerald, his immediate predecessor, whose retirement became effective Dec. 31 after a 34-year career with the department.

Fitzgerald began his career as an officer with the Red Bank police in 1975, was promoted to captain in 1998, also leading the detective bureau, before being named chief in 2003. He replaced Chief James Clayton, whose career spanned 33 years.

“I thought of the five chiefs I worked for, the great opportunities Chief Fitzgerald gave me. I thought of all of them, their different styles, their strengths and the lessons learned. I take that experience with me,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy, a 23-year police veteran and West Long Branch resident, who was selected from a pool of four captains, spoke about the importance of his fellow officers.

“I’ve always thought of the police department as my extended family. I watched them do things that amazed me and it’s an honor to be counted among them,” McCarthy said. “It’s truly by their effort that I’m here today.”

McCarthy is married to Mary Ellen McCarthy, who grew up in the borough; they have two children, Matt and Jenna.

“How lucky I am,” McCarthy said of his family’s love and support.

McCarthy made detective in 1992, sergeant in 1996, lieutenant in 2004 and was promoted to captain in 2007. He received 33 official commendations during his career and attended the FBI Academy and leadership training at West Point Military Academy.

McCarthy holds a master’s degree in public administration from Kean University and in recent years has served as the department’s spokesman. Capt. Darren McConnell succeeds him.

McCarthy was originally scheduled to take his oath at the borough’s reorganization meeting Jan. 3, but the swearing-in was delayed in order to accommodate the crowd of people who were expected to attend.

Borough Administrator Stanley Sickels said McCarthy’s salary as chief has yet to be determined but he anticipates it to be decided by the next Borough Council meeting Jan. 25.