Borough of Longport
Code Book
LONGPORT COMMUNITY NEWS
(updated 11/23/22)
Upcoming Construction and Renovation Projects (posted 11/23/22)
Numerous improvements are underway in the Borough of Longport for the upcoming year. Residents and visitors can expect to see construction begin soon on various projects.
Road Reconstruction on Sections of Monmouth and Atlantic Avenues
Contracts were recently awarded for reconstruction of sections of Monmouth and Atlantic avenues. Construction is scheduled to begin in December. Occasional detouring of traffic will be necessary in order to complete road reconstruction. Partial funding was provided by grants from the NJ Department of Transportation.
Monmouth Avenue Reconstruction
Reconstruction work on Monmouth Avenue is scheduled to begin early December and will include 32nd Avenue to the Margate City border. The project will include the installation of new handicap access ramps and the repaving of the 32nd Avenue to the Margate City border. Completion of the project is weather contingent and could be finished as soon as two months after the start date.
Atlantic Avenue Reconstruction
Construction work is scheduled to begin in December and will cover 22nd to 27th avenues. Including in the project’s scope of work is the installation of new water and sewer laterals, replacement of storm water grates, and repaving of Atlantic Avenue. The expected com¬pletion date is May 2023.
Longport Water Tower Repainting
Longport’s smiley-face water tower is scheduled for renovation work including repainting. Work will begin late November with completion expected by April 30, 2023. Residents may experience fluctuations in water pressure and potential discoloration of water. If you should experience water discoloration, please let the water run to flush it out. In addition, please avoid washing light-colored laundry until the water is clear.
New Playground Equipment at 33rd and Atlantic Avenues
Longport’s playground at 33rd and Atlan¬tic avenues is scheduled to be replaced with new equipment and ground surfacing in time for the summer season.
Tennis and Pickle ball Courts Scheduled to be Resurfaced
As part of the Borough’s recreation renovations, tennis and pickle ball courts are slated to be resurfaced and ready for use in the upcoming summer months.
Electric Vehicle Charger to be Installed Behind Borough Hall
Longport received a partial grant from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to install a dual electric vehicle charger behind Borough Hall. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2023. The charger will be open for public use.
Bulkhead to be Replaced at 36th Avenue and the Bay
Permitting work is underway for the Borough’s bayside bulkhead to be replaced at 36th Avenue and the Bay. The project will go out to bid shortly.
It is anticipated that work will be completed before the summer season.
Longport Board of Commissioners Promote Officer Wright to Sergeant and Welcome New SLEO II Saggese (posted 10/28/22)
During the September 21, 2022, Board of Commissioners Meeting, Mayor Nick Russo, Commissioner Jim Leeds, Sr., and Commissioner Dan Lawler approved resolutions promoting Officer Quinton Wright to the rank of Sergeant and hiring Jonathan Saggese to the position of S.L.E.O II officer for the Borough of Longport.
Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Lawler administered the oaths of office to each officer who were supported by family, friends, and co-workers.
Sgt. Wright joined the Longport Police Department in May of 2015 as a SLEO I officer and began his full time tenure with the department in August of that year.
Sgt. Wright is from Williamstown, NJ, where he attended Williamstown High School and graduated in 2005. Following high school, Officer Wright attended and graduated from Stockton University in 2009 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Sgt. Wright has also served as PBA President for the Longport Local PBA 363 since March of 2019.
SLEO II Jonathan Saggese joins the police department after serving this past summer season with the Ocean City Police Department in the same position. Saggese is a native of Linwood where he attended Mainland High School (2012) and is a graduate of Stockton University (2018) where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology. - Longport Police Department, Sgt. Ray Burgan
Borough of Longport Commissioner of Public Safety, Dan Lawler, administered the Oath of Office to Sgt. Quinton Wright (above left) and to SLEO II Jonathan Saggese (above right) at a Board of Commissioners meeting held September 21, 2022.
Longport Board of Commissioners Proclaim August 17th as Team Thunderdome Day (posted 8/24/22)
On August 17, 2022, the Longport Board of Commissioners presented members of Team Thunderdome with a proclamation naming the day in honor of their victory at the 56th Around the Island Swim held August 9, 2022. The team of high school students who also serve on local beach patrols included: Patrick Armstrong, Longport resident, member of the Longport Beach Patrol and student at Ocean City High School; James Haney, Atlantic City resident, member of the Brigantine Beach Patrol and student at Atlantic City High School; Gavin Neal, Absecon resident, member of the Brigantine Beach Patrol and student at Ocean City High School; and John Sahl, resident of Brigantine, member of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol and student at Atlantic City High School.
They competed in the four-person relay event with each member swimming intervals of 15 to 30 minutes in grueling ocean water conditions with temperatures averaging 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Each person swam approximately 5 1/2 miles. Team Thunderdome finished the 22.75 mile race in 8 hours two minutes and 51 seconds beating out an experienced team of swimmers - the Tortuga Golden Striders. The two swimmers in the individual races did not complete the competition.
The Around the Island Swim began in 1953 when two Atlantic City Beach Patrol members, Ed ‘Dutch’ Stetser and Edward Solitare bet each other $100 to see who could swim around Absecon Island first.
The competition is regarded as a World Championship Ocean Marathon.
The Borough of Longport Board of Commissioners presented members of Team Thunderdome with a proclamation at the August 17, 2022, commission meeting for winning the 56th Around the Island Swim competition on August 9, 2022. (From left) Mayor Nick Russo, Coach John Haney, Team Thun-derdome Teammates James Haney and Patrick Armstrong, Patrick Armstrong, Commissioner Jim Leeds, Sr., and Commissioner Dan Lawler.
Longport Police Department Welcomes Two New Officers (posted 8/11/22)
On August 3, 2022, the Longport Police Department officially welcomed two of its newest officers to its family. Borough of Longport Commissioner and Director of Public Safety, Dan Lawler, conducted the official swearing-in of Liam Nolan to the position of police officer. Nolan, a Ventnor native, is a Holy Spirit alumnus and graduate of Moravian College.
Commissioner Lawler also administered the Oath of Office to Owen Kramer for the position of SLEO 2 officer with the Borough. Kramer, a Longport resident, is also a Holy Spirit alumnus and recent graduate of Widener University. Nolan and Kramer will be attending the Gloucester County Police Academy over the next four months where they will be challenged physically and mentally in preparation for their careers as law en-forcement officers. Please join us in welcoming Longport’s newest members.
Longport Police Chief Frank Culmone (center) welcomes new officers, Liam Nolan (left) and Owen Kramer (right).
- Submitted by the Longport Police Department Sgt. Ray Burgan
Borough of Longport Commissioner and Director of Public Safety, Dan Lawler, administers the Oath of Office to the newest members of the Longport Police Department Officer Liam Nolan (pictured left) and Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2 Owen Kramer (pictured right).
Borough of Longport Board of Commissioners Honor Members of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department on June 1, 2022 (posted 6/22/22)
The Borough of Longport Board of Commissioners honored several individuals at its June 1, 2022, commission meeting. Mayor Nick Russo, Commissioner Jim Leeds, and Commissioner Dan Lawler presented plaques and proclamations to members of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department. Both Fire Chief Levon “Lefty” Clayton and Fire Captain Richard B. Hirsch, Jr. were commended for 50 years or more of volunteer service. Plaques were also prepared for William A. Fiore for more than 60 years of service and Anthony J. Vicchiarel-li, Jr., for more than 50 years of service. Both Fiore and Vicchiarelli were unable to attend the meeting. Former Mayor, Commissioner and volunteer member of the fire department, Fiore recently passed away on June 9, 2022.
Longport Fire Captain Richard B. Hirsch, Jr., (above left) was presented with a plaque and proclamation for 50 years of dedicated service and Fire Chief Levon “Lefty” Clayton (above right) was presented with a plaque and proclamation for more than 50 years of dedicated service as a members of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department by Mayor Nick Russo, Commissioner Jim Leeds, and Commissioner Dan Lawler.
Longport Board of Commissioners Proclaim HERB STERN DAY, June 1, 2022, in the Borough of Longport (posted 6/22/22)
Longport resident, Herb Stern, was presented with a proclamation by Mayor Nick Russo, Commissioner Jim Leeds, and Commissioner Dan Lawler naming June 1, 2022, as “Herb Stern Day” in the Borough of Longport.
The Board of Commissioners presented a surprise proclamation to resident Herb Stern naming June 1, 2022, as “Herb Stern Day” in the Borough of Longport at its June 1, 2022, commission meeting. Stern has been a key advocate of the Herb Stern Scholarship Fund for nearly two decades. He was instrumental in raising more than $150,000 in scholarship awards. He was such an important driving force that the fund’s name, which was originally called the Longport Scholarship Fund, was changed by its board to the Herb Stern Scholarship Fund.
Longport Mourns Passing of Longtime Former Mayor and Commissioner William A. Fiore (posted 6/22/22)
It is with great sadness that the Borough of Longport mourns the death of longtime former Mayor and Com-missioner William A. Fiore.
William A. Fiore was a dedicated public servant to the Borough of Longport, having served as Mayor and Commissioner for 24 years. He served as Mayor from 1992 to 2000 and as a Commissioner from 1980 to 2004.
“It is a sad day here in Longport when we lose someone who made such a contribution over the years to the Borough. Bill served during a challenging time when the Borough was transitioning from a small community to a popular summer destination,” said Mayor Nick Russo.
Fiore was a lifetime member of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department, having served over 62 years with the department. He had achieved the rank of Fire Captain, and in 2020, the Longport Volunteer Fire Department honored him by naming him Chief Engineer Emeritus for his life-long service.
During his tenure as the Commissioner of Public Safety, he worked hard to ensure that the fire department had the necessary equipment to protect the residents and visitors of Longport. He served as the Director of Public Safety for 16 years.
At the time of his passing, he served as the Atlantic County Legislative Representative for the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association.
Fiore was also a longtime member of the Longport American Legion Post 469 – John A. Kuzmann Memorial with over 50 years of membership. He served honorably in the United States Army.
“Those who were fortunate enough to have known Fiore respected him as an esteemed resident of the Borough of Longport who worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in the Borough of Longport and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of his fellow citizens. He will be tremendously missed by many,” Russo said.
Beach Tag Design Contest 2022 Winners (posted 6/22/22)
The Board of Commissioners invited the 2022 Beach Tag Design Contest Winners to the June 15, 2022, com¬mission meeting to recognize them for their winning beach badge designs. This year’s winners are Luna Catan-ese and Ella Clark. Catanese designed the regular seasonal tag and Clark designed the senior tag. Congratula¬tions to the 2022 Beach Tag Design Contest winners!
Mayor Nick Russo presents winners of the Longport Beach Tag Design Contest 2022, Luna Catanese (above left) and Ella Clark (above right) with a certificate and beach tag featuring their winning designs. Catanese’s design is featured on the regular season tag and Clark’s is on the senior seasonal tag
Borough of Longport Board of Commissioners Proclaim Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel as Honorary Longport Mayor on May 27, 2022 (posted 6/2/22)
Longport Mayor Nick Russo presented Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel with a proclamation making May 27, 2022, Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel Day as well as proclaiming Daniel as Honorary Longport Mayor. It was the first time Daniel was proclaimed an Honorary Mayor.
The Borough of Longport Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation naming May 27, 2022, as Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel Day in the Borough of Longport and bestowed the title of ’Honorary Longport Mayor’ upon him.
Mayor Nick Russo and Commissioner Dan Lawler traveled to Ocean City, NJ, on May 27th, where Daniel was sworn-in by numerous police departments, including the Longport Police Department as an Honorary Police Officer.
Daniel is a 10-year-old battling cancer, whose courageous spirit has let him on a mission to increase awareness of childhood cancer. Daniel’s initial goal was to be sworn-in as an honorary police officer by 100 police departments. He has since surpassed that goal and has been sworn-in by more than 400 departments, including the Longport Police Department. The Longport Police Department organized the event and invited all surrounding law enforcement agencies and community partners to participate.
Part of Longport’s Proclamation states, “Whereas, Devarjaye “DJ Daniel’s love for law enforcement, his singular wish to raise awareness of childhood cancer, and his goal of encouraging others to never give up on their dream’s despite life’s challenges has inspired many; and, Whereas, the Governing Body of the Borough of Longport, by this proclamation, wishes to express its deep and sincere admiration of 
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel for his courageous spirit; Now, Therefore, Mayor Russo, Commissioner Leeds and Commissioner Lawler hereby proclaim May 27, 2022, as Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel Day, in honor of his heroic mission and to express their gratitude on behalf of the residents of the Borough of Longport.”
Mayor Russo and Commissioner Lawler presented Daniel with a framed proclamation, an “Honorary Longport Mayor” sash, and a baseball cap with “Mayor” embroidered across it.
Longport Chief of Police Frank Culmone swears-in Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel as an honorary Longport Police Officer.
The Longport Public Library Hosts NJ Audubon Presentation “Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat” June 3rd at Longport Borough Hall (posted 5/12/22)
The Longport Public Library is hosting a NJ Audubon presentation “Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat” at 2 pm on June 3rd at Longport Borough Hall located at 2305 Atlantic Avenue. The program ins part of a series of presentations initiated by Sustainable Longport, the municipality’s green team. The presentation is by Kristin Hock, the Habitat Outreach Coordinator for NJ Audubon. Combining her years working as a wildlife biologist, organic vegetable farmer, and environmental educator, Kristin now teaches NJ residents how to Garden for Wild-lifeTM. Gardeners can get their outdoor space recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat® by offering food, water, cover, and a place to raise young. During this presentation, Kristin will teach us why it is important to plant natives, how to attract pollinators and songbirds, and how to be responsible stewards of the land where we live, learn, play, work, and worship. The presentation will be followed with a question and answer session with Kristin.
Kristin is a NJ native, having grown up playing with snakes, frogs, and turtles in her backyard. While double majoring at the University of Delaware in Animal Science and Wildlife Conservation, Kristin went on two study abroad trips. One was on safari in Tanzania and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro while the other was traveling on an old Russian warship down to Antarctica and trekking across the Antarctic peninsula for a few days and even sleeping outside one night! Studying elephants, lions, and penguins in their natural environment will always be a highlight of Kristin's life! After graduation, Kristin moved to Arizona to work as a Bald Eagle Nest-watcher and then as an Animal Caretaker at a wildlife sanctuary in Montana. To earn a master's degree in Environmental Education, Kristin boarded a retrofitted school bus with twenty other people and traveled around the states, from the Pacific North- west, the Big Island of Hawaii and the East Coast. Every night, Kristin and her colleagues would camp under the stars and during the day, lived as community and learned from one another as well as professionals in diverse fields such as environmental and social justice and activist, sustainable logging, ecological authors, farmers, and much more. Upon graduation, Kristin stayed out west teaching Environmental Education but was soon drawn back to her home state of NJ. After a few more years of educating, Kristin was called to try her hand at farming, so she apprenticed for two years before managing a small vegetable farm for a school that has a population of students with learning and behavioral challenges. Unfortunately, the farm closed due to financial constraints, so Kristin dusted off her educator cap and jumped in working for NJ Audubon as their first Habitat Outreach Coordinator with the primary goal of educating Garden State residents to Garden for Wildlife by offering the necessary resources for their survival, 
primarily native plants and a water source. Kristin has increased the number of Certified Wildlife Habitats in the state to almost 9,000 and she hopes you get inspired to turn your outdoor space into a haven for pollinators and songbirds. In her personal time, you can find Kristin with her husband helping their toddler son with his favorite activity – filling his wheelbarrow with sticks, rocks, and flowers.
- Submitted by NJ Audubon
Herb Stern Longport Scholarship Fund Announces 2022 Awardees (posted 5/10/22)
The Herb Stern Longport Scholarship Fund announced that it has selected 11 Longport students to receive a total of $25,000 in awards for 2022 for college and graduate school tuition grants. The total is the largest amount in the Fund’s history. Award money is funded by contributions from Longport year-round and seasonal homeowners. Winners are selected from applications that highlight academic achievement, extracurricular activities, work record, and community volunteering. The awards will go toward tuition for the 2022 Fall semester. Award winners will be publicly presented at the June 1 meeting of the Long-port Board of Commissioners.
The recipients in 2022 are as follows:
Pacifico Agnellini – attends the University of South Carolina studying business, finance and entrepreneurship. He has worked as a Margate lifeguard and started his own business providing trash/ recycling bin and miscellaneous services.
Jeremy Albergo – will attend Rutgers University in the Fall and study Political Science and is interested in working for the State Department or in law. He has worked at Margate True Value Home Center, volunteered for local clean-ups, and surfed with local teams.
Eva Engel – will attend the University of Tampa and plans to study art and psychology for a career in art therapy. She has volunteered with several non-profits in the US, Costa Rica, and Peru.
Sophia Gresham – attends Rowan University and looks forward to teaching health and physical education. She participates in Rowan’s track and field teams, and has been a camp counselor and coach.
Luke Kramer – attends Boston University and is studying health science and plans to work in the health care field. He participates in track, and has worked as a lifeguard and as a volunteer at the Shore Medical Center.
Alanna Larson – is completing her first year at Widener Law School, and will study intellectual property law. She has been a legal intern and paralegal and has worked at local restaurants and local charities.
Tyler Lawler – will begin college at the University of South Carolina in the Fall. He plans to study engineering and business. He’s been active with soccer, lacrosse, and surf teams. He’s worked in local restaurants.
Tai Schiavo – is finishing his first year at the Berklee School of Music studying film, music, and film scoring. He has extensive experience as a musician.
Birdie Stewart – is a student at the College of Charleston and is studying marketing and computer science. She has participated in cross country, track, and tennis, and has worked in recreation and counseling.
Kai Tripician – is a student at Wesleyan University. He is taking a range of liberal arts classes and may pursue a career in the environmental field. He teaches sign language, and recently lectured in Longport on the topic of birding.
Nicholas Volpe – will attend the University of South Carolina. He plans to study biology and become a medical doctor. He’s been active in lacrosse, soccer, and class council.
Applications for scholarships from the Fund are open to Longport resident students graduating high school or currently in college or graduate school. This is the Fund’s 15th year of operation. The Fund has continued to grow over the years and has thus far awarded a total of over $150,000.
Contributions to the Fund may be made at any time through its website, www.longportscholarshipfund.com or by check payable to the Longport Scholarship Fund sent c/o Lynn Baumgardner, Treasurer, Longport Scholarship Fund, 3210 Atlantic Avenue, Longport, NJ 08403.
- Submitted by the Herb Stern Longport Scholarship Fund Committee
Longport Police Officer Christopher Ricciotti Announces his Retirement from the Longport Police Department (posted 5/3/22)
Longport Patrolman Christopher Ricciotti recently re-tired from the Longport Police Department after 22 years of service to the community.
On April 28, 2022, Patrolman Christopher Ricciotti finished out his career with the Longport Police Department, having given 22 years of service to our community. We would like to take a moment to recognize and reflect on Patrolman Ricciotti’s many years of dedication to our agency and the Downbeach community.
Ricciotti’s service to the Downbeach community began in 1990 when he joined the Longport Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter. In 2010, Chris was awarded the Atlantic County Award for Valor for saving the life of a fellow firefighter. Dur-ing his tenure with the fire department, he honorably held the ranks of Firefighter/EMT, Fire Lieutenant, and Captain where he presently sits today.
Ricciotti started his time in the New Jersey Pension system as a Public Works employee for the City of Margate in 1994. In 1998, he joined the Longport Police Department as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and it wasn’t long before Ricciotti was hired as a full time sworn police officer with the Bor¬ough of Longport. In late 2000, Patrolman Ricciotti graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy and began his law enforcement journey within the Borough of Longport.
In late 2000, Patrolman Ricciotti graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy and began his law enforcement journey within the Borough of Longport. Over the next 22 years, Patrolman Ricciotti made a tremendous impact on the community as well as the many police officers throughout the state in his role with Police Benevolent Association (PBA).
Members (past and present) of the Longport Police Department congratulate fellow officer Patrolman Christopher Ricciotti on his recent retirement .
In 2003, Ricciotti was elected Vice President of Longport local PBA 363 and became the local’s President in 2004. Later, in 2010, Ricciotti was elected as a State Delegate where he held this position until his retire¬ment. In July of 2016, Ricciotti was promoted within the State PBA ranks to the State Executive Board. He has served as Trustee and Sergeant at Arms within the State PBA and currently serves as the 11th Vice Presi¬dent of the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association (NJSPBA). Ricciotti has also been a member of the State PBA P.A.C. Committee, State Valor Awards Committee, and Chairman of the State Scholarship Com¬mittee.
Chris, from all of us at the Longport Police Department, we wish you the very best in your retirement, ex-tending our sincere gratitude for the distinguished years of service you devoted to protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Longport. Thank you for a job well done!
- Submitted by the Longport Police Department, Sgt. Ray Burgan
Former Longport Beach Patrol Chief, Matthew Kelm, Honored for 39 Years of Dedicated Service (posted 3/21/22)
The Longport Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 16, 2022, as ‘Matthew Kelm Day’ in the Borough of Longport to thank Chief Kelm for his dedication and service. He has served and protected residents and visitors on Longport beaches since the early 1980s. The former beach patrol chief recently announced his retirement after 39 years of service. He was appointed chief in April 2018. During his tenure as chief, the beach patrol continued an unprecedented five consecutive wins in a row in the prestigious South Jersey Lifeguard Cham¬pionship Races, in addition to numerous other lifeguard victo¬ries. At the March 16, 2022, Board of Commissioners meeting, Chief Kelm was presented with a proclamation and a plaque. Thank you Chief Kelm!
Former Longport Beach Patrol Chief Matthew Kelm was presented with a proclamation and plaque by the Long-port Board of Commissioners on March 16, 2022. Pic¬tured above, Commissioner Dan Lawler (right) present¬ed the plaque and proclamation Chief Kelm for his ded¬icated service to the Borough of Longport.
Atlantic County Police Chiefs Association Installs Longport Police Chief Frank Culmone as President of the Association (posted 3/4/22)
Atlantic City, NJ — The Atlantic County Police Chief Association's recently installed its newest President, Longport Police Chief Frank Culmone. Retired Pleasantville Police Chief and outgoing Association President, Sean Riggin, officially administered the Oath of Office to Chief Culmone.
Longport Police Chief Frank Culmone receiving his Oath of Office as President of the Atlantic County Police Chiefs Association.
Other 2022 Officers of the Police Chiefs Association sworn in included: Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel as Vice President, Hamilton Town¬ship Police Chief Greg Ciambrone as Secretary, Somers Point Police Chief Robert Somers as Treasurer, and Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos as Sergeant at Arms. Retired Galloway Police Chief Donna Higbee officially administered their Oaths of Office. The Atlantic County Police Chiefs Association congratulated their 2020¬2021 President Sean Riggin for leading the organization during very difficult times. Retired Chief Higbee was also honored with the Chief DePamphilis Award. The award is presented to someone who has contributed to the same spirit of cooperation and advancement of the profession as Chief DePamhilis envisioned.
The county association was formed in 1957 with retired Longport Po¬lice Chief Richard DePamphilis, Sr. as its first president. The principle purpose of the Atlantic County Association of Chiefs of Police was to secure closer official and personal relationships among the Chiefs of Police, Sheriffs, County Prosecutors, Chiefs of County Detectives/Investigators, and other law enforcement executives throughout Atlantic and Cumberland Counties.
The Association acts to assure unity of action in police matters and to elevate the standard of the police institution, to assist in the adoption of humane efforts in law enforcement and to promote the advancement of the prevention and detection of crime and overall police efficiency.
Longport Police Chief Frank Culmone is a 21-year veteran in the law enforcement community. As a life-long resident of Atlantic County, Culmone is a graduate of Holy Spirit High School (Class of 1986). In 1999, he graduated from Stockton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and began his law enforcement career with the Longport Police Department in 2001 following his successful completion from the Camden County Police Academy. During his time in patrol, Culmone became recognized as a Drug Recognition Expert (D.R.E.) through the New Jersey State Police in 2004. In 2005, Culmone was selected to represent the Longport Police Department as a team member with the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team (ERT) where he served for six years.
Culmone was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2007 and soon graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership program in 2009. In 2012, Culmone was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served administratively and was responsible for overseeing patrol operations. During this time, he became certified with the New Jersey State Police as a D.R.E. Instructor.
Culmone was promoted to the rank of Chief on April 1, 2015. He is a member of International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), and the Atlantic County Association of Chiefs of Police (ACACOP) where he has held the positions of Treasurer (2016-2019) and Vice-President (2020-2021). In June of 2019, Chief Culmone also completed the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (MALEEDS) and in August of 2020, successfully completed the NJ Certified Public Manager Program (CPM) program administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and delivered by Rutgers University.
Retired Longport Police Chief Vince Pacentrilli (2011—2015), Chief Culmone, and Retired Longport Police Chief (2001—2011) and current Longport Municipal Administrator Scott Porter.
- Submitted by the Longport Police Department Sgt. Ray Burgan
Longport Police Chief Frank Culmone (center) pictured with member of the Longport Police Department (past and present).
Welcoming Longport Beach Patrol Chief Thomas Kresz
On January 19, 2022, Thomas Kresz was sworn in by Commissioner Dan Lawler as the new Chief of the Longport Beach Patrol. Kresz has been a member of the Longport Beach Patrol for the past 18 years and served as a Lieutenant since July 2021.
Kresz succeeds former Beach Patrol Chief Matt Kelm who recently announced his retirement after 30 years on the Longport Beach Patrol. Kelm served as Chief since 2018.
Kresz is also a member of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department and
serves as a member of Longport’s Office of Emergency Management.
Please join us in welcoming Kresz as Longport’s new Beach Patrol Chief.
New Longport Beach Patrol Chief Tom Kresz is sworn in by Commissioner Dan Lawler on Jan. 19, 2022.
Herb Stern Longport Scholarship Fund Applications
Now Being Accepted for 2022 (Applications no longer being accepted!)
Longport students can now apply for the Herb Stern Longport Scholarship Fund as applications are currently being accepted. The organization awarded a total of $22,500 to Longport students last year. This year, the committee has raised its largest amount, yet, a total of $25,000. Those interested in donating to the scholarship fund or more information on how to apply for the scholarship please visit: www.longportscholarshipfund.com. The Herb Stern Longport Scholarship Fund is a non-profit 501c(3) agency unaffiliated with the Borough of Longport.
Longport Library News and Events
The Longport Public Library always has something fun happening throughout the year. The 2022 programs are available online at https://longportpubliclibrary.org/.
The library also has information on the Longport Historical Museum please visit: https://longportpubliclibrary.org/historicalsocietyWell House Building #4 Update
The Longport Board of Commissioners recently awarded a contract to MBE Mark III Electric for a total of $1.6 million for the construction of a well house building located at 31st and Devon avenues. Construction is scheduled to begin mid February.
Officer Albert Maiorano “Uncle Al” Retires
from Longport Police Department
On January 24th, 2022, at approximately 6pm, the Longport Police Department said goodbye to Officer Albert Maiorano as he signed off the air one final time and closing the chapter on an illustrious career. Officer Maiorano, “Uncle Al” as his fellow officers and local residents have come to know him, ended a 35-year career Monday evening surrounded by fellow officers from around the county.
Officer Maiorano began his career in 1986 with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department where he would spend 28 years before officially retiring as Sergeant with the agency. During those years with EHTPD, Maiorano became known throughout the county and state for his expertise in motor vehicle law and traffic control. He spent many of those years teaching recruits at the Atlantic County Police Academy as an instructor with the training center. Additionally, he dedicated much of his time working with the EHT PAL Association and the township’s Police Explorer Program.
Upon retiring from EHT, Al soon found a new home in Longport as a Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO II) in 2015. At the time, Longport was in the midst of transition as Lt. Frank Culmone took over as Chief of Police for the outgoing Chief, Vince Pacentrilli. This came at a time when LPD was becoming a much younger police department and Maiorano immediately stepped in as a mentor for the agency’s younger officers. Maiorano also served on the LPD motorcycle unit with Sergeant Jamie Silva.
“Uncle Al” has solidified himself as family within the Longport community... hence the nickname. He has dedicated so much of his life to making positive change in the lives many. Among the officers within this profession (locally and throughout the state), Al has impacted so many over the course of 35 years.
Whether a junior officer in the Police Explorers, academy recruit, an officer in the field training program, or simply a fellow officer, he has always taken a vested interest in seeing us all succeed.
Al, we cannot thank you enough for all the wonderful memories and hope they continue on in the future. You made your mark on this profession and certainly left it better off than when you entered decades ago. The men and women of the Longport Police Department thank you for your dedicated service, friendship, and many memories. Godspeed old friend and enjoy this next chapter of your life...
- Submitted by the Longport Police Department
Al Maiorano will continue to work for the Borough of Longport in the Building Department as a Code Enforcement Compliance Officer. Welcome to the Longport Building Department, Al!
LONGPORT TAX OFFICE UPDATE:
PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE EITHER YOUR BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER OR A PROPERTY ADDRESS WHEN SENDING CORRESPONDENCE TO THE LONGPORT TAX OFFICE.
Dog Licensing Reminder for Longport Residents
Please be sure to register your dog at the Longport Tax Office or call 609.823.2731 ext. 111. for more information.
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