TOMS RIVER — Captain Robert J. Woardell has retired from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office after nearly a quarter-century of service marked by leadership, technical expertise and a deep commitment to public safety.
Woardell joined the agency in January 2001, beginning his career in the Judicial Division during a period of heightened courthouse security following the September 11 attacks. He later moved to the Criminalistics Investigation Unit — now known as Crime Scene Investigation — where he became certified in latent fingerprint comparison. He helped establish the Latent Evidence Bureau, which laid the groundwork for what would eventually grow into the county’s Forensic Video Evidence Unit. His efforts supported countless investigations and prosecutions across Ocean County.
Throughout his career, Woardell held a series of supervisory and project-driven roles, contributing to major initiatives ranging from the countywide First Responder Identification Card Program to multi-agency operations such as the Barnegat Bay Blitz. He also helped advance key communications upgrades, including a new 9-1-1 system, Computer Aided Dispatch enhancements and Text-to-9-1-1 technology. During Superstorm Sandy, he was assigned to assist devastated waterfront neighborhoods and support displaced residents in emergency shelters in both Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Promoted to captain in February 2019, Woardell took command of the Judicial Division, overseeing daily courthouse operations and roughly 75 sworn officers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he coordinated county testing site operations in partnership with the Ocean County Health Department and state officials. He simultaneously continued oversight of Professional Standards, Internal Affairs, accreditation, policy development and infrastructure projects throughout the agency.
Outside his Sheriff’s Office duties, Woardell has served with the Point Pleasant Borough Fire Department since 1995, rising through the ranks to lieutenant and deputy chief.
Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy thanked Woardell for his decades of service and leadership, offering well wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement.
