New Manalapan Police Chief Jeff Rasor’s wife, Kimberly, pins his new badge to his uniform. Rasor previously served with Delray Beach police. John Pacenti/The Coastal Star
By John Pacenti
Manalapan celebrated the retirement of long-serving Police Chief Carmen Mattox and welcomed the arrival of new Police Chief Jeff Rasor at the Jan. 14 Town Commission meeting.
Mattox was honored with a Distinguished Service Award for his 23 years and 7 months of dedicated service to the Manalapan community.
Mayor John Deese praised Mattox’s tireless work ethic and commitment, noting, “I’m not kidding, 24 hours a day. If you call him and he’s there and he’ll answer, he’ll assist you, even if he’s up to North Carolina with his kids.”
Stepping into the job of Police Chief is Jeff Rasor, who brings more than 22 years of law enforcement experience, most recently serving as assistant chief of police operations in Delray Beach.
According to the city of Delray Beach’s website, Rasor started his career in the Miami Police Department before coming to Delray Beach in May 2002. As an officer, he created the Criminal Justice Academy at Atlantic Community High School.
Rasor was promoted to sergeant in 2009, to lieutenant in 2019, captain in 2021 and then to assistant chief the following year. He served in about every capacity as a police officer and supervisor in Delray Beach: overseeing community patrol, serving as a high school resource officer, and as a member of the Clean & Safe Downtown unit, among other positions.
He earned his criminal justice undergrad degree at Florida International University and earned a master’s degree at Florida Atlantic University in educational leadership.
In his remarks to the commission, Rasor emphasized his core beliefs in hard work and professionalism. “That’s what I’m bringing to the town of Manalapan, and that’s where I’m going to lead this department,” he stated.
Rasor’s spouse, Kimberly, pinned his new badge to his uniform. The Commission Chambers were filled with Delray Beach police officers in attendance, including Chief Russ Mager, to witness the passing of the torch.
Town Manager Eric Marmer voiced his excitement about the new leadership, stating, “I always say Manalapan deserves the best and with your selection, I really think we got the best, and I really look forward to working with you over your career here.”
The Coastal Star asked the 61-year-old Mattox what was his most vivid memory and he said when the town got battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. “All the sea walls were crashing down,” he said.
Mattox will retire to McIntosh, southeast of Gainesville. He is an avid bird hunter and he said he plans to spend some of his free time hunting quail.
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