On Thursday May 8, 2025, the Ventnor City Police Department swore in three of its own into the Command and Leadership ranks of the department.
Joseph T Wootton was sworn in as the new Chief of Police for Ventnor, which had taken effect on May, 1, 2025. Chief Wootton began his law enforcement career in 1996 as a Class I Officer with Ventnor City Police. After serving as a corrections officer in 2000, he returned to Ventnor becoming a police officer in 2003.
Chief Wootton was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012 and then to Lieutenant in 2015 where he spent his time serving as a platoon commander. In 2020 he took on the role of administrative Lieutenant where he oversaw training, Internal Affairs and the department’s Accreditation Manager. In 2022, Chief Wootton was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served as Operations Command.
Chief Wootton is a graduate of the West Point Command and Leadership Program and has spent his career dedicated to serving the citizens of Ventnor. Chief Wootton brings more than two decades of dedication, experience and professionalism to the department.
Louis Kabo was sworn in as Captain of Police. He began his career with the Ventnor City Police Department in 2007 as a patrol officer. He rose through the ranks quickly promoted to sergeant in 2014, then lieutenant in 2016, where he spent most of his time serving as a platoon commander. In 2023, he moved into the police administration, taking over the department’s IT operations and assisting with various projects at the direction of the chief and captain.
Over the past 18 years, Captain Kabo has completed extensive training, including the prestigious West Point Command and Leadership Program, and served as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). He has also received several awards and recognition for outstanding service and leadership.
Captain Kabo, who resides in Ventnor with his wife, is proud to serve his local community and remains committed to the safety and well-being of its residents.
David O. Gaeckle was sworn in as Captain of Police. He began his career in law enforcement as a Class I Officer serving for three summer seasons. In 2007, he became a full-time police officer with Ventnor City. Captain Gaeckle was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2015 and then to Lieutenant in 2019 where he was a platoon commander. In 2021 he took the role of administrative Lieutenant where he oversaw training, Internal Affairs and the department’s Accreditation Manager.
Over the past 18 years, Captain Gaeckle has completed extensive training and was the commander of the department’s K9 Unit. During his time in the K9 Unit he and his partner, Axel, received several awards and national recognition for outstanding service and performance. Captain Gaeckle looks forward to working with the men and women of the police department in their continued effort to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of Ventnor City.
Congratulations to Chief Joseph Wootton, Captain Louis Kabo and Captain David Gaeckle.
