McClain Sworn as North Wildwood Fire Chief

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ Shades of blue filled council chambers during the May 17 meeting. Fire trucks gleaming, lined the street facing North Wildwood City Hall as residents, City Council, and police and fire officials honored three of their own and new Fire Chief Dominick McClain.  
“We are going off the agenda for a moment,” Mayor Patrick Rosenello began. “Today is a very emotional day for the city and the Cole family.” (Fire) Chief Jeffery Cole, who has served as department head, is officially stepping down while his son, Anthony, is joining full-time. “Born and raised in Anglesea,” Anthony is a third-generation resident of North Wildwood and is engaged to a fifth generation.
Rosenello praised Cole for professionalism and dedication to the city: “It showed in everything he did,” Rosenello said.
Cole and his family accepted an American flag. Cole thanked his fellow firefighters “for making this city a safe place” and also mayor and council.
Rosenello proceeded to “hire the future of our department,” beginning with Joseph Rain.
Rain, who has served in Marmora, Wildwood, and North Wildwood, will join Jamie Pluta and Anthony Cole as full-time members of the fire department. Pluta, like Cole, is a “hometown boy.”
City Clerk Scott Jett administered the oath, and all three vowed to “uphold the Constitution of the United States and this state” and to “faithfully and impartially” carry out their duties.
Cole, the last to be sworn in, received his father’s badge; former Chief Cole pinned the badge on Anthony’s uniform amid a round of applause.
After the swearing in, Rosenello said, “We are putting our department under new leadership.”
McClain, who has served as deputy fire chief, along with Cole have “moved the department into the future” by implementing water rescue techniques and training, both invaluable services on a barrier island.
“I have known Dominick my whole life,” Rosenello said.
McClain’s grandfather served on Ladder 10 in Philadelphia, and the legacy is continuing. “I am very confident that we are placing our department in good hands,” Rosenello concluded.
McClain then took the oath, followed by a standing ovation. McClain thanked “our families” who understand the long hours required and the “missed birthdays and Christmases.”
After a five-minute recess, the regular meeting resumed.
Under ordinances, the “Hot Dog Vending Location” amendment was passed on second reading along with a bond ordinance for “Emergency Appropriation Beach Replenishment.”
The bond ordinance will appropriate $3 million for continued repairs. “We will attempt to get reimbursed,” Rosenello assured residents, referring to federal programs in light of natural disasters.
Continued repairs to the beach and Allen Park are also underway to be finished by mid-June.
Jett reminded residents of “Anglesea Day,” June 3. Festivities will include a presentation on historic hotels, including the Hotel Anglesea where council held its first meeting.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.