In recognition of #BlackHistoryMonth on this #FlashbackFriday, Clerk Hanlon and the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office continue to highlight individuals who left a lasting impact on Monmouth County:
Assemblyman Thomas S. Smith was a dedicated public servant who broke barriers throughout his career. Born in 1917, he grew up in Asbury Park, where he experienced segregated schools and beaches. In spite of these obstacles, Assemblyman Smith managed to forge a successful career in law enforcement and politics, serving the community for over sixty years.
He attended the Monmouth County Police Academy and joined the Asbury Park Police Department in 1941.
During WWII, Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the European Theater of Operations. After his discharge, he rejoined the Asbury Park Police Department and served for a total of 38 years, including becoming the city’s first African American police chief in 1968 until his retirement in 1979.
A desire to serve the community did not end with retirement. Smith was elected to Asbury Park’s City Council in 1986. In 1989, he became Asbury Park’s first African-American mayor, serving a single four-year term. In 1991, he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly and served the 11th Legislative District from 1992 until his death in 2002.
Read more about Assemblyman Smith from a 1999 oral history interview conducted by the Monmouth County Library: https://www.visitmonmouth.com/oralhi…/bios/SmithThomas.htm
Original source can be found here.
