Sommeling: It's Good to be Back

Surrounded by family and colleagues, William T. Sommeling was sworn in on Friday to serve as undersheriff in the Ocean County Sheriff's Department.

It is the second term in the position for the 77-year-old Toms River resident, who first served as undersheriff from 1989 until late 2000, according to a biography of Sommeling on the New Jersey Casino Control Commission website. Sommeling was appointed to the commission in 2000 and served through 2010.

Sommeling was appointed last week to his second term as undersheriff by Sheriff William L. Polhemus, to replace Wayne R. Rupert, .

Polhemus, 83, who has served as Ocean County sheriff since 1986, deferred comment to Sommeling when approached after the ceremony.

"Talk to him," Polhemus said, gesturing toward Sommeling.

"It's good to be back," Sommeling said as Polhemus put his arm around his returning assistant and grinned. "I look forward to us continuing to run a good department."

Rupert, who died Oct. 22, worked in tandem with Captain Valerie Hill on Ocean County Emergency Management Office duties, as well as other tasks. Sommeling expects to serve in a similar capacity, he said.

"I'll help with whatever else comes on the agenda," Sommeling said.

Polhemus said earlier last week that he plans to seek another term in the 2012 election.

The decision of who would replace Rupert following his death in October was Polhemus's decision to make, Ocean County Administrator Carl W. Block has said.

The sheriff's office is one of three constitutional offices in the state, which gives Polhemus the power to appoint Rupert's successor, he said.

"It's his sole choice," Block has said.

Rupert died at his vacation home in Lancaster County, Pa., after he fell from the roof of his trailer, Block said.