SEA ISLE CITY – On April 30, at Mrs. Brizzle’s Buns Inc., for two hours residents gathered to meet Sea Isle City Police Chief Thomas McQuillen, who took his oath March 27.
Lively discussions were heard over the two hours the city’s top law enforcer hosted the event. He was joined by fellow police officers and city administration representatives.
“When I was growing up here, we all knew the names of our police officers and they knew us. If they saw us throwing a football or playing basketball, they would join in for a couple of minutes. That’s the kind of environment I want to see us get back to,” said McQuillen. “In the end, it’s all about community and encouraging and fostering close connections among all of us,” he said.
“So our police officers are excited to be getting out of their patrol cars, walking and biking the neighborhoods and boardwalk and really supporting what makes Sea Isle special and how to keep everyone safe and happy,” he continued.
“The police have always been so kind and helpful to us here, and that’s why I wanted to come and support this event,” said resident, Katie Amons. “When my husband fell, they arrived at our house very quickly, and I know my friends have similar stories how Sea Isle City Police helped them too,” she explained.
Other residents said they had concerns about traffic safety, traffic signals, and parking, but overall wanted to attend this initial event to support Sea Isle City’s police department.
Expanding on the theme of police officers helping people, McQuillen said, “We are really concentrating on the quality of life and the little things that can make a difference. Of course, safety is always paramount, and we hope that by having officers mingling with residents there will be a trickle-down effect of ensuring Sea Isle City remains a great place for residents and tourists alike.”
McQuillen has lived his entire life in Sea Isle City except for three years of military service with the Army. He has been in the police department since 1993 when he started as a summer officer.
“We are planning to have these get-togethers on a regular basis, excluding the summer months when everyone is so busy,” McQuillen said.
“I think they’re going to be a really nice way to bring everyone together and keep the dialogue going among the community and our police officers,” he said.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
