BARNEGAT – Barnegat Police Lt. Jeff Ryan is no stranger to going above and beyond the call of duty. His career spans nearly three decades, filled with tales of bravery and leadership that he’s too humble to share. And while many people have heard about Ryan’s role in rescuing two duck hunters and their dog from the frigid waters of Barnegat Bay – there’s more to the story.
The rescue unfolded on December 12, 2024 during Ryan’s off-duty hours, underscoring his belief that a police officer is “always on duty.” Even when not officially working, Ryan sees it as his responsibility to act when lives are in danger.
The day began like any other until Patrol Officer Nicole Lentini Mason texted Ryan. “She asked if my boat was in the water,” Ryan recalled.
Ryan had already heard the sound of sirens blaring near his home and knew something was amiss. “Officer Mason told me a boat was sinking near Conklin Island, across from the docks. There were two duck hunters in it, and later, we learned they had a dog with them.”
Ryan’s phone buzzed again. This time it was Sgt. Rich Boyle. “I told him to get a bunch of guys to my backyard,” Ryan said. In just minutes, Patrolman Zach Santos, a Navy veteran and rescue swimmer, and Detective John Halliday and Boyle joined him. Together, the team boarded the 32-foot Arrowcat catamaran owned by Ryan and his wife. The vessel is aptly named Arrested Development, not because of the television show – but reflective of each of the married couple’s professions.
Challenges began as soon as the rescue started. A drone operator monitoring the scene directed the officers to head further east. But Ryan, who knows the water “like the back of my hand,” trusted his instincts. “I saw something in the water that didn’t look right,” he said. Steering toward the anomaly, he found the hunters.
Local police conducted the rescue mission using the Arrested Development, the 32-foot catamaran owned by the Ryans. (Photo courtesy Lt. Jeff Ryan)
“They were sitting in their sneakbox, which is more like a kayak,” Ryan explained. “The water was so cold that it was actually warmer for them to stay submerged to avoid the wind.” The hunters, soaking wet and shivering, clung to their dog as the officers brought them aboard.
Ensuring everyone’s safety was a priority. The officers checked that the hunters’ guns were unloaded and stowed them in the cabin. The dog, cold and scared, posed another challenge. He lunged to bite one of the officers and needed to be controlled.
Santos tapped into his Navy experience and provided some insight into the potential tragedy that had been averted. “The water temperature was in the mid-40s, and the air was around 32 degrees,” Ryan explained. “Santos estimated they had about 30 minutes before hypothermia would set in. By the time we got them onto the boat, they were probably at the 22-minute mark, at least from when they made the call. We don’t know how long they had been struggling before that.”
Navigating back to shore proved tricky. A camouflage net used by the hunters tangled in one of Ryan’s propellers, rendering it useless. “I was running on one motor,” he said. Despite the setback, Ryan safely docked the boat.
The hunters were fortunate to escape without injuries and declined an offer to get checked at the hospital. Their boat, however, wasn’t as lucky. Recently purchased for $500, its maiden voyage also became its last.
“I commend Lt. Jeff Ryan for his dedication, loyalty, and unwavering service to the Barnegat community,” said Police Chief Jason Carroll. “His quick thinking and can-do attitude on that day were instrumental in the swift rescue of two hunters and their dog under challenging weather conditions. Lt. Ryan’s actions continually exemplify the exceptional service our residents can depend on.”
“This incident further highlights the importance of maintaining a well-trained and equipped marine patrol unit in Barnegat, even as we navigate the realities of tightening budgets,” Carroll continued. “The benefits of such a unit extend far beyond emergencies like this as it enhances public safety, supports recreational activities, and strengthens our community’s connection to its rich maritime heritage.”
Advocating For The Marine Unit
Barnegat Police had launched a marine unit in 2022, but its boat, a 2014 Carolina skiff 218 donated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, has since been retired due to damage. “It had a crack when we got it, and it was repaired well,” Ryan explained. “But another crack developed and fixing it would cost more than the boat’s value.”
The rescue of the duck hunters demonstrates the importance of quick response time. While the Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police patrol Barnegat Bay, a marine unit is critical in a community surrounded by water.
Ryan is hopeful that a benefactor will step in and donate a suitable vessel to the local law enforcement agency. He recognizes the value of having access to a boat and shudders to think what could have happened if the Arrested Development wasn’t available.
Safety Beyond The Water
Ryan’s commitment to safety extends beyond the water. As wildfires rage through California, Ryan can’t help but recall the Warren Grove wildfires that hit locally in 2007. He was a detective at the time and was assigned with another officer to work on evacuating residents.
The fire and the smoke were so overwhelming that Ryan and Patrolman Joseph D’Agostino couldn’t see in front of them as they went from house to house in Brighton Estates to bang on doors. Ryan’s suit jacket had a visible hole burned through when he returned home. He hadn’t come in contact with any flames.
Though six homes were lost, no lives were, thanks to the team’s efforts. However, the experience came with lessons. The department revamped its evacuation plan. Ryan also became the liaison for the Firewise Communities/USA program with the senior developments, which helps communities adopt wildfire prevention strategies.
Ryan was deeply involved in helping with wildfire evacuations in 2007 and learned from the experience. (Photo courtesy Lt. Jeff Ryan)
In 2022, Ryan was one of eight officers honored for responding to an active shooter threat at Barnegat High School. Racing to the scene, Ryan left his cell phone on his desk. Among the missed texts he later discovered were frantic messages from his wife. Their two sons, who were in lockdown at the high school called from inside to find out what was going on.
“We thought it was real,” he said. “I was the third guy in clearing rooms. At one point, one of the security guys and I went in to clear the bathroom; we found a locked stall door. I blasted it off its hinges, thinking, ‘If this is it, this is it.’ Thankfully, no one was inside.”
An emotional Ryan admitted that it didn’t occur to him until after all was deemed safe that his own sons were in the high school building. Fortunately, the incident turned out to be a fake emergency call placed throughout the county, commonly referred to as a swatting attack.
“We’re trained to neutralize the threat,” said Ryan. “And that’s what all of us focused on.”
Police Work in the Administrative Realm
Since joining Barnegat Police in 2000 after working for Beach Haven Police, Ryan has worn many hats. He’s led accreditation efforts and has sat in on every meeting involving the construction of the new police headquarters. Like everyone else, he looks forward to moving into the upgraded facility.
Ryan’s work with Ocean County’s DART program earned him recognition for his dedication to preventing substance abuse among youth. “We focus on keeping our community safe and drug-free,” he said. He also serves as chair of Barnegat’s Communities That Care, a coalition of individuals dedicated to helping all youth, especially those at risk.
Reflecting on his career, Ryan credits teamwork and training for the success he’s achieved as a member of Barnegat’s finest.
Although he has enough years of service to retire, Ryan said he has no intentions of doing so quite yet. “I still want to help,” he said. “I like that it’s my job to do so.”
For Barnegat residents, knowing Lieutenant Jeff Ryan is watching over the community – whether on duty or off – is a comforting thought.
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