A former Lakehurst police sergeant is the newest member of the borough's council after a unanimous vote to appoint Gary Lowe to a vacant seat Thursday night. 

Lowe, 43, assumed the council seat left open after Republican Harry Robbins was sworn in as mayor on Jan. 1. Lowe ran as an independent in the general election but lost to Republicans Ed Seaman and Robin Busch, who won the two available council seats. 

Lowe retired from his post as a Lakehurst police sergeant after he suffered a spinal cord injury while on a November 2009 hunting trip with his fellow officers. Being a part of the council will allow Lowe, a lifelong Lakehurst resident who served four years as a U.S. Marines before becoming a borough police officer, the opportunity to return to public service. 

"I always came back to Lakehurst," he said. "That's why I wanted to get into the politics of the town. I've served for 15 years so I might as well keep going, just in a different capacity."

Lowe, who now has use of his body from his chest up, said that his recovery is going well and he plans to begin driving again soon.

Robbins said that Lowe is "a welcome addition" to the council. 

"He's fair-minded, level-headed and open-minded. All three are qualities that we look for," Robbins said. "I think the council made a wise decision."

Though Lowe ran for council as an independent, he switched his affiliation to the Republican party after losing his bid. Since Robbins is a Republican, the Lakehurst Republican Committee submitted three candidates to the council to fill the vacancy: along with Lowe were Joan Childers and former mayor Stephen Childers.

Lowe said that he hopes to work with the council to keep the "small town feel and lifestyle" alive in Lakehurst, even as budget constraints may force the borough to look into sharing more services.

Lowe, who will serve on the council's Buildings and Grounds and Shade Tree Commission committees, said that he looks forward to working with his fellow council members.

"I feel good. I think we can all work together," Lowe said. "That's the whole process — do better for the borough of Lakehurst."

Lowe will have to run in the next election should he want to remain on the council.