WILDWOOD – Former Police Capt. Robert N. Regalbuto became Chief Regalbuto Jan. 9 in a ceremony before a stand-room-only crowd in Municipal Court. He became the 13th chief in the city’s 113-year history.
Hired as a Class II officer in 1989 and a full-time police officer in 1990, Regalbuto’s entire law enforcement career has been spent in service to Wildwood citizens.
“There are exciting times ahead with a lot of new ideas,” stated Commissioner Tony Leonetti in a release. “We just can’t wait to make this all happen.”
With his wife, Danielle holding the Bible and his father, former Wildwood police officer Naz Regalbuto, on hand to pin the chief’s badge on his son’s chest, Regalbuto took the oath of office from Wildwood Municipal Court Judge Dorothy Garrabrant.
“This is a new change for the City of Wildwood Police Department and a new chapter in our book,” Regalbuto stated. “We have great men and women here who are going to help us move the city of Wildwood and the Wildwood police department into the future.”
Regalbuto said during his 25-year tenure with police department he worked under four chiefs and learned from each of them. “I don’t know if I will be able to live up to their standards but I am going to do everything that I can in my ability to do that.”
Regalbuto said he promised city officials that he, and his staff, would give the city their maximum effort every hour of every day.
“Our agency is second to none. Wildwood is the best. Always has been, always will be in my book. I am proud to call myself a Wildwood police officer and will always be proud to do that.”
Promotions to Captain, Lieutenant
Gold badges of captain and lieutenant were pinned on the chests of two officers during a promotional ceremony that also included the swearing in of seven new officers.
Before a standing-room-only crowd that included a long blue line of fellow officers from their department as well as from throughout the area, Capt. Joseph Murphy and Lt. Edward Ramsey, stood with members of their families as Wildwood Municipal Court Judge Dorothy Garrabrant administered the oaths of office on Jan. 9.
Capt. Murphy
Initially hired as a Class II officer in 1997, Murphy was appointed a full time officer in 1999. Since that time he served as a patrol officer, training instructor and currently instructs police recruits in firearms training and tactical shooting. He is a member of the Wildwood police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. He was recently selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
Lt. Ramsey
Ramsey was hired in 1993 as a parking enforcement officer, became a Class II officer in 1994 and joined the force as a full time patrol officer in 1996. Since then he has served as a member of the Cape May County Narcotics Task Force, Wildwood Detective Division and, in 2010, named full time sergeant in the patrol division. Certified as a police training instructor he also serves as assistant commander for the Cape May County SWAT team.
“The first time we interviewed these men I knew they were the guys we needed to add to the department,” said retired Wildwood Police Chief Steven Long. “It’s always important when you’re chief that when you leave you feel that you are leaving the department in capable hands. These are the group of guys who can take it to the next level. As far as I’m concerned, these guys are more than capable and will take it to the next level. This police department will be well-served.”
Starting Police Careers
In addition to promoting Murphy and Ramsey, seven new police officers were sworn in prior to their beginning training at the Cape May County Police Academy.
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