Gilbert "Whip" Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilbert "Whip" Wilson
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| Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey | |
| Assumed office December 3, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Charles H. Billingham |
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 5th district |
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| In office January 25, 2010 – December 2, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Donald Norcross |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Barclay |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gilbert L. Wilson
March 17, 1947 Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Spouse | Martha |
| Residences | Camden, New Jersey |
| Alma mater | Camden County College Rowan University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1965–1969 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Gilbert L. "Whip" Wilson, born on March 17, 1947, is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Since December 2015, he has been the sheriff for Camden County, New Jersey.
Before becoming sheriff, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly. This is a part of the New Jersey state government. He was an Assemblyman from 2010 until December 2015. He represented the 5th Legislative District. Mr. Wilson was also a councilman for the City of Camden from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2005 to 2010.
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Gilbert Wilson's Early Life and Service
Gilbert Wilson was born and grew up in Camden, New Jersey. He finished Camden High School in 1965. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force. He served from 1965 to 1969. During his time in the Air Force, he traveled to places like San Antonio, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Military Awards and Recognition
Mr. Wilson received several awards for his service. These included the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. He also earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. These medals recognize his dedication and bravery.
Career in Law Enforcement
After leaving the Air Force, Mr. Wilson joined the Camden Police Department. While working as a police officer, he continued his education. He attended Camden County College and Glassboro State College. This college is now known as Rowan University. He earned a bachelor's degree in law and criminal justice.
Police Department Leadership
He worked for the Police Department for more than 26 years. He retired as a lieutenant, which is a leadership rank. He was in charge of the Vice Unit. He also supervised the first Community Policing Unit. This unit worked closely with local neighborhoods.
Gilbert Wilson's Political Journey
Mr. Wilson started his political career in Camden. He was elected as a Councilman-at-Large for the Camden City Council in May 1997. He served in this role until July 2001. He returned to the City Council in July 2005.
Serving in the New Jersey Assembly
In January 2010, Mr. Wilson was chosen to fill a vacant seat in the New Jersey General Assembly. He was sworn into office on January 25, 2010. While in the Assembly, he worked on important committees. He was the vice-chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. He also served on the Law and Public Safety Committee. He was part of the Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee too.
Becoming Camden County Sheriff
After serving several terms in the Assembly, Mr. Wilson decided to run for sheriff of Camden County in 2015. He won the election in November. Because of a state law, he resigned from his Assembly seat on December 2, 2015. This allowed him to take office as the new sheriff.
