Wildwood Lauds Two for Quarter Century of Service

WILDWOOD – For two members of the City of Wildwood Beach Patrol, it’s not readin’, ‘ritin’ and ‘rithmetic during the summer months, it’s red flags, whistles and keen eyes.
The City of Wildwood honored two of its own during the Sept. 11 Commissioners’ meeting. Captain Ed Schneider and Lt. Dan Fourney of the city’s beach patrol were each recognized for 25 years of service to the municipality.
According to Commissioner Tony Leonetti, who oversees Public Safety and Public Affairs, when not on summer duty both Schneider and Fourney are teachers, however both men are passionate about their summer jobs. “They are just so into their jobs that it is amazing.”
Beach Patrol Chief Steven Stocks commented that for teachers who lifeguard in the summer, the usual mantra is, “Teach, coach, beach.” However, for Schneider, a teacher and coach at Council Rock South High School in Pennsylvania and Fourney, a middle school teacher and coach in the Cinnaminson Middle School, their mantra seemed to be “Beach, coach and teach,” Stocks said as he presented the two men with plaques commemorating their accomplishment.
“This is what they want to do,” said Leonetti. “Ed and Dan live for it.” Leonetti added that Schneider and Fourney are two of the beach patrol’s longest employees.
“They started out being regular guards,” Leonetti said, “and rose through the ranks. They are second to none. I truly believe the Wildwood Beach Patrol could run the whole island, as far as beaches go.”
As a lieutenant, Fourney spends his summer on the sand. “He’s on the beach,” said Leonetti. In his role as captain, Schneider fulfills a great deal of administrative duties.
Both men were integral members of a team that made boat repairs and took the initiative to help install beach ramps that were lost to Hurricane Sandy.
Both Schneider and Fourney have committed to coming back to the beach for the 2014 season. “I’m looking forward to seeing them again next year,” said Leonetti. “I support them 100 percent.”
“We are truly honored to have you as part of our family,” Mayor Ernie Troiano told the pair.