NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “A clear career path and hierarchy” unfolds in the North Wildwood Police Department as Lt. William Etsell and Capt. John Stevenson enter a Superior Officers’ Agreement. City council approved the agreement Nov. 20 and, according to City Administrator Kevin Yecco, such an agreement has not existed in the city.
Both Etsell and Stevenson were part of the Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Local 59, but due to being part of the same agreement as other officers, a new agreement was deemed appropriate.
In a phone interview Nov. 26, Police Chief Matthew Gallagher told the Herald that the Superior Officers’ Agreement is “similar” to the PBA. Since Stevenson and Etsell take leadership whenever Gallagher is absent, the hierarchy and function of their roles are more clearly defined.
According to Gallagher, Stevenson oversees operations while Etsell also serves in an administrative capacity.
“They handle a lot,” Gallagher said. He also praised Etsell and Stevenson as “the future of the (police) department.”
The department is planning its approach to the 2019 summer season when tourists return and new Class I and II officers join the ranks.
Although other Cape May County municipalities have a Superior Officers’ Agreement, North Wildwood is “one of the last” to have such an agreement.
Gallagher said many call the winter months “down time” for city police, but work is already beginning for the coming year.
Gallagher referred to Stevenson and Etsell as “successful” officers.
When council approved the agreement, Yecco expressed pleasure at the agreement and the “clear pathway” provided.
With the city continuing to build its police department, public safety and services continue to develop as strict professional guidelines are held to by the department.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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