New Sheriff, Freeholders Acclaimed by Judge at County Reorganization

COURT HOUSE — The 2009 freeholder reorganization at the county Technical High School on Jan. 2 was a wistful one for Superior Court Judge Kyran Connor.
It was at a similar session in January 2000, in the same building but a different room, then as Cape May County counsel, he heard his son, Eamonn Ryan Connor, perform the national anthem on violin. That violinist, years later, enlisted in the Army.
His father, attired in a black judicial robe, addressed the standing-room-only crowd of mostly Republican well-wishers.
They convened to watch Freeholder Director Daniel Beyel and Vice Director Ralph Sheets Jr. take oaths to return to office, and to wish Sheriff Gary Schaffer well on his new Constitutional position.
Thus, it was slightly unusual to hear a judge’s address, but, for many, it was like hearing from a long-lost friend.
The job of a judge is “isolated and solitary,” said Connor.
“I miss the push and pull of life in this more political side of the house,” he stated.
“That said, Cape May County continues to be fortunate to have people of character and substance to serve in public office,” he continued.
“To hold a seat of public office is not for the faint of heart,” said Connor.
Connor recollected President Abraham Lincoln’s reply when asked, after a brief time in the White House, what he thought of the job.
“He responded with one of his yarns. He said it reminded him of the man who had been tarred and feathered, and run out of town on a rail, who was asked his feelings,” said Connor.
“‘Well, if it wasn’t for the honor of the thing, I’d rather have walked,’ the president said,” joked Connor.
“I have every confidence that Dan Beyel, Ralph Sheets and Gary Schaffer will keep their eyes on the honor of the thing,” said Connor.
“I congratulate them on behalf of the judicial branch of government and wish them every success as they go forth to conduct the people’s business,” Connor concluded.
A round of applause followed.
Schaffer gazed at the front row before him where his wife, Debbie, and mother in law, Esther, and the couple’s children were seated.
At his left were sons Steve and Matthew, both Ocean City police officers.
After thanking them and the freeholders, Schaffer said that the board had given him “freedom to run the (county) Police Academy.” He said he envisioned similar latitude “as I move to the Sheriff’s Department.”
He praised his predecessor Sheriff John Callinan, a few rows away.
“He built such a foundation for me to continue,” Schaffer said.
Schaffer said Callinan told him, “I will be disappointed if you do not take this to the next level.”
“He built such a solid foundation it will be easy to take it to the next level,” Schaffer said.
Several members of Ocean City Police Department joined Schaffer. One was retired Sgt. Nicholas “Nick” Impagliazzo, 84, with 42 years service. He was a sergeant “when I came on that department many years ago, and he is here today,” smiled Schaffer.
Schaffer lauded local chiefs of police as “The best group of law enforcement professionals anywhere.”
He also is “looking forward to working with all the sheriff’s officers and corrections officers.”
Vice Director Sheets, in his comments, acknowledged the “companionship, trust and strength given this board by the people.”
As Sheets reflected over his 28 years in law enforcement, he added, he was “Proud to say as I look at the law enforcement
community, I see it’s a good one. I’m glad to have had the experience working on this board.”
He said 2009 would be a “tough budget year without doubt,” and of constraints that will be imposed, “there is no way of knowing how quickly this economy will recovery. Every penny is being watched of your tax dollars.”
Director Beyel vowed to, “Hold taxes as best we can. That’s one reason we are sitting here.”
He echoed what his peers’ praise of county employees who do the work that makes the county operate smoothly on a daily basis.
Those employees good work, “Allows us to seek to election and be reelected over many years,” Beyel concluded.
Those who participated in the ceremony included:
Detective Stephen Schaffer and Patrolman Matthew Schaffer, sons of the sheriff, from Ocean City Police Department, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pastor David A. Smitley of Second Cape May Baptist Church, Palermo, delivered the invocation.
County employee Bertina Wilson sang the National Anthem and “God Bless America.”
Pastor Andrew Surace of Covenant Life Church, Marmora delivered the Benediction.
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com.