WILDWOOD ─ Hosted by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, the annual State of the Cities Address offered more than networking and lunch March 8. The Wildwoods’ police chiefs and captain from each municipality presented a glimpse of their communities, new initiatives, and challenges across the island.
Speakers were introduced by board President Jacqueline Fiore.
West Wildwood
Chief Jackie Ferentz of West Wildwood took the podium first. She explained conditions in the borough. “It’s all about community policing,” said Ferentz, quoting West Wildwood Mayor Christopher Fox.
According to Ferentz, the department is “lucky” to have a Spanish-speaking officer who can communicate with young people in their language.
“Don’t run from us – run towards us,” is that department’s motto. Ferentz said she wants those who have either witnessed or suffered abuse to approach an officer without fear.
T-shirts, imprinted with an officer’s picture and name, are helping the West Wildwood police in this endeavor. Alongside communication, a medical drop-off box is located at the main office, allowing residents to safely dispose of prescriptions without harming the environment or posing as a temptation to others.
Wildwood Crest
Capt. Robert Lloyd of Wildwood Crest addressed the crowd on behalf of Chief Joseph McGrath, who was unable to attend.
Lloyd reported that the department webpage was “updated” and more “user-friendly.”
Plans to obtain a new radio system are also underway. According to Lloyd, the Crest police department has not been without its struggles in the past, due to loss of administrators and “bad publicity.”
Lloyd is “proud of the comeback we are making” and of the Crest’s efforts to “rebuild” the department. “I am extremely proud of where the department is today,” said Lloyd.
Seven new officers serve and were described as “hardworking and very intelligent.”
North Wildwood
Chief Matthew Gallagher of North Wildwood highlighted the upcoming challenges and progress made. “We are looking forward to the summer,” Gallagher began and went on to say that the 29-member police department will swell to 45 during the summer. North Wildwood, according to Gallagher, has a “very busy boardwalk and entertainment area” and hosts over 60 special events annually, including Irish Festival, a barbecue competition, and Boots on the Beach.
A heightened “social media awareness” also serves North Wildwood, yet Gallagher urged those who wish to report a crime to do so in person, not online.
A new dispatch system will provide better service and efficiency for the department, especially since the system has not been overhauled since 1996.
Body cameras for each officer has benefited all parties – “so far, so good for us,” said Gallagher.
Gallagher added that he was proud of the department, its efforts in the community, and donations to charity.
Wildwood
“Everything they said, we do,” said Chief Robert Regalbuto of Wildwood.
Regalbuto emphasized the department’s “great working relationships” on and off the island with other police departments and law enforcement officials.
According to Regalbuto, Wildwood faces unique challenges and makes over 2,000 arrests annually.
“There is no easy fix to narcotics,” said Regalbuto. “We are out there every day.”
Regalbuto painted a scene not entirely without hope as Cape Assist is working with the city to provide a drug counselor in the municipal court, offering offenders a chance at recovery.
“We cannot arrest our way out,” Regalbuto stated. Officers in Wildwood also battle domestic violence and driving while intoxicated offenses.
Obtaining new rifles, shotguns, and “level-4 trauma vests” are some of the department’s initiatives.
“Unfortunately, they are not cheap,” Regalbuto admitted, saying that funding struggles. However, for $10,000, the department was able to obtain the new equipment and weaponry, $8,000 of which was gained through trade-ins.
A 2-year-old German Shepard is joining the narcotics’ team and will be presented to city commissioners March 22. “We are here to serve you,” Regalbuto concluded.
The event was held at Blue Water Grille.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@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?
