Scene Around: Rumson’s New Police Chief on the Beat

It’s official. There’s a new police chief in town — Rumson, that is. In fact, he’s been sworn in for about a month, since March 12. He’s former Rumson Police Lt. Robert Boyer.

Boyer, flanked by local and county officials, colleagues, friends and family, was sworn in by Rumson Mayor Joseph Hemphill after a resolution was passed by council appointing Boyer chief.

With 25 years of experience on the force, Boyer was first hired as a patrolman with the Rumson Police Department in 1999. He was promoted to sergeant in 2005, lieutenant in 2023 and now chief in 2024.

Boyer’s appointment came after the retirement of longtime officer and short-term chief, Jeffrey Nixon, who was officially appointed chief in July of 2023 after serving as official officer in charge from Jan. 1, 2023 until former Chief Scott Paterson’s retirement became official that summer. Nixon retired at the end of October of 2023 after 33 years on the force.

Before Nixon, Scott Paterson served as chief for about 10 years, from 2013 to the summer of 2023.

Rumson Police Chief Scott Paterson at the Aj.J. Bruder Memorial Rumson Run.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Patterson, who slipped away into retirement rather quietly, is a Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduate who served on the force for 30 years. He was president of the Monmouth County Chiefs Association in 2018, was influential in the borough’s Human Relations Board, fostering communications with the community.

Outside of his official police duties, Patterson was known as a top fundraiser for the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics NJ. He was also known for his work as chairman of NJ Ducks Unlimited.

There are 17 Rumson police officers, two specials and five dispatchers.

— Boyer and Nixon photos/Rumson Borough