Ocean City Fire Captain Faces DUI, Drug Charges In Atlantic County

An Ocean City Fire Department captain faces drunken driving and drug possession charges after police stopped his pickup truck at a DWI checkpoint July 6 in Linwood.

Jackson Neall III, 35, of Ocean City, is charged with possessing under 50 grams of marijuana, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and driving under the influence, according to an arrest report from the Linwood Police Department.

Neall's 1997 Ford pickup was stopped at the checkpoint at about 1:32 a.m. Saturday, July 6. The report indicates that police found a multi-colored glass pipe with burned residue after the stop.

Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is a non-indictable offense in New Jersey. Neall will answer to the charges in Linwood Municipal Court.

Ocean City Fire Chief Chris Breunig said an internal investigation into the matter is ongoing. While he could not speak about what potential job action could result from a potential conviction, he did say the department is working to support Neall as an individual.

He said Neall, who lost his home to Superstorm Sandy, admitted to a substance abuse problem and is currently receiving treatment.

"Jackson has been dealing with a lot since the storm," Breunig said. "The stresses of losing your home and the challenges of the job can take a toll. We are a tight family and have banded together and support Jackson in his treatment and return."

"We have aggressive programs in place to help firefighters when they become overwhelmed, and I know what its like to have some sleepless nights. I can't imagine what it is like to lose everything in the storm."

Neall could not be reached for comment.