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Asbury Park native Steve Ramseur, who grew up in the Stephen Manner affordable housing complex, was promoted to the rank of sergeant Wednesday afternoon.

The father of three, who has two grandchildren, said he chose to become a police officer because “growing up in the city, I knew it was a good career. I just wanted to make a difference; event if it was just a little bit.”

Ramseur, who graduated from the Asbury Park School District in 1986, was surround not only by family of friends, some of whom drove three hours to attend the swearing in ceremony, but his detective’s bureau team, retired police officer, representatives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and from the neighboring Neptune Township Police Department.

Deputy Chief David Kelso, who leads the police force, said he started out working the overnight duty with Ramseur in 2002.

Kelso said Ramseur served on the detective bureau since 2006, and also served as the department’s arson, bias incident, and Alcohol Beverage Control background investigator.

“The officer that is coming in to fill his spot is going to have some big shoes to fill,” Kelso said.

With his mother Brenda and grandson Riley by his side, he was sworn into office by Deputy Clerk Melody Hartsgrove.

Ramseur will be paid a $104,423 annual salary.

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