Vera Restores K-9 Aid to Wildwood Police

WILDWOOD ─ “I had to go to a dog,” Chief of Wildwood Police Robert Regalbuto confessed March 22 during the city commissioners’ meeting. 
With nearly a “full house,” residents gathered to meet the newest recruit in the Wildwood Police Department, a 2-year old German shepherd named Vera. Man’s best friend will soon take to the streets of Wildwood if successful completion of her training is achieved in 22 weeks. 
Regalbuto thanked those who aided the department in raising funds for purchasing Vera. “We didn’t want this to be a burden to our taxpayers,” Regalbuto said as the presentation continued.
Borrowing a dog from the county Sheriff’s Department, though appreciated, was no longer adequate for the city’s needs. “We need a dog here,” Regalbuto emphasized, and added, “On the boardwalk, on Pacific Avenue, where we have problems.”
For patrol and detection, Vera will assist police officers in the city’s “aggressive” stance against drugs and other crimes.
“We are not naive enough to think we can eliminate it (drugs),” Regalbuto said but restated the department’s commitment to fighting drugs.
According to Regalbuto, 40 years had passed since the city last had its own K-9.
After conversations with Commissioner Anthony Leonetti in 2016, the department began raising funds not only for purchasing Vera but also for her continued care.
Sponsors included South Jersey Gas, Wawa, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans, and the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Vietnam Veterans.
Under the care of Officer Christopher Katz, Vera will undergo training at the Atlantic County “John Sonny Burke” K-9 Academy for 22 weeks in patrol and detection exercises. It is expected that training will start by the end of March.
According to Regalbuto, payment will not be required by the vendor until Vera passes those training courses.
Regalbuto also assured residents that another dog would be provided by the seller if Vera was unsuccessful in training.
“This would not have been possible without the support of our community,” Regalbuto added.
Sporting a special K-9 T-shirt, Commissioner for Public Safety Anthony Leonetti, placed a badge around Vera’s neck making her a department member. Regalbuto then joined him and Katz for a photo with Vera.
“I put it in the chief’s hands,” Leonetti said, describing conversations he had with Regalbuto regarding the need for a K-9 in the department. “A year later, we have a dog,” Leonetti said.
Commissioner Peter Byron commented that a K-9 “shows how progressive we are.”
Mayor Ernie Troiano concluded commissioners’ statements by acknowledging that “negative people” will point out how the city requires a dog for its drug issues.
“Our job is to keep everyone safe,” Troiano said, adding how Wildwood is “safer than ever seen in a lifetime.”
“We are taking every measure,” Troiano said.
The mayor believes that the whole island will benefit from Vera’s presence and that everyone will sleep “a little easier” knowing that due diligence is being taken by law enforcement.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.