Joseph T. Allmond

1921-2015
An Atlantic City native, he was the first African-American Chief of Police in the resort's history. During his 39 years of service, Chief Allmond rose from beat cop to Chief. He received more than 65 honors, including commendations from the F.B.I., the Secret Service, and the Atlantic County Grand Jury. This U.S. Air Force veteran received a special citation for "extreme courage and heroism under fire" for dragging a wounded comrade 50 yards to safety during a gun battle that left seven officers wounded. Chief Allmond was recognized by the City's SWAT Team and by "Who's Who in American Law Enforcement." He was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, served on the boards of the YMCA, Westside Convalescent Center, the Atlantic County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, and the Vestry of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. In 1979, the NJ State General Assembly issued a proclamation recognizing Chief Allmond's many years of dedicated service.

Additional information:

Joseph Allmond began his first job with the Atlantic City Police Department in 1947, and from the beginning was determined to leave his mark on local law enforcement. He moved up the department's ranks quickly, getting promoted to Sergeant in 1960, then Captain in 1968, and finally Chief in 1979. Across his career, he often gave back to Atlantic City's community, by working with its youth as a role model. His advice to the youth of Atlantic City was, "With hard work, dedication, and self-discipline, there are no limits to what one can achieve."

Allmond was born on March 28, 1921. He was the first baby baptized in the newly-built St. Augustine's Church in Atlantic city. He died on April 25, 2015. He was a lifelong Atlantic City resident.

For more information, see these resources in the Atlantic City Free Public Library, Atlantic City Heritage Collections:
Local History Biography Files - Joseph T. Allmond
Johnson, Nelson: The Northside