OCEAN CITY — “One thing about Ocean City, when you come over the bridges, you’re going to be safe,” Mayor Jay Gillian said as he welcomed the large crowd to the 3rd annual Public Safety Recognition Ceremony on March 10 at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
Fire Department Chief Bernie Walker, Police Chief Bill Campbell and Beach Patrol Chief Erich Becker honored the personnel involved in 20 separate incidents and recognized a handful of others for their long and exemplary service to the city.
“This evening is dedicated to recognizing the men and women of the public safety who highlight several actions and events that have made a meaningful impact on the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors,” Walker said. “We’re truly fortunate to have such a dedicated, skilled and highly trained team of professionals across all three public safety agencies, as well as a city that values and strongly supports public safety.”
He said the first responders could not do their job as well as they do without the support of their families.
“Your support, your sacrifice you make, make it possible for our members to serve this community,” Walker said.
Suicidal man
— On Feb. 4, 2025, at 10:32 p.m., Officer Doug Alcott found a vehicle parked in the middle of Ninth Street and Bay Avenue and learned from the driver that the man’s son was contemplating suicide by jumping from the bridge. It was subsequently learned that the son had left the bridge and was in the area of 12th Street and Simpson Avenue. While en route to the home to see if his son had returned, Alcott located the subject and was told the individual was feeling suicidal and had intentions of killing himself.
Others involved: Dispatcher Ryan Parris, Sgt. Jack Davis, Officer Tim Sharpe, Officer Eric Puga, Officer Brandon Smith, Officer Thomas Mendez-Ocampo.
Intensive search
— On April 9, 2025, at 6:41 p.m., dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a man hanging off the railing between the fishing piers and information center on the Ninth Street bridge. Officer Alexandra Sharp launched a drone, while others spoke to witnesses. Lt. Mark Pancoast set up a command post in the parking lot of the Welcome Center as multiple resources were being used to locate this individual. Detective Richard Wilent provided an updated description and dispatch contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and State Police Marine Unit seeking assistance. Officers realized the description was very close to the suicidal male Officer Doug Alcott had located in February. Officers drove to the subject’s home and made contact with the subject’s father who provided an address for his son in Somers Point. Detectives made contact there with the subject, who admitted hanging from the railing. He was transported to Cooper Cape Regional for a psychiatric evaluation.
Others involved: Dispatchers Joe Repici, Ryan Parris, Luis Silva, James Haggar, Lt. Pete Kardas, Detective Lt. Dan Lancaster, Sgt. Doug Swillo, Sgt. Mike Hall, Officer Ryan Lutz, Officer Jonathan Monzo, Officer Matthew Muller, Officer Austin Ogule, Officer Timothy Sharpe, Officer Brandon Smith, Detective Colby Meloy.
Life-saving interventions
— On April 11, 2025, A Platoon Engine 2 and Ambulance 1 crews were dispatched to a residence in the 2100 block of Haven Avenue. Engine 2 arrived and determining the patient was unconscious, unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Members initiated CPR and advanced life-saving interventions. Crews deployed an AED and a LUCAS mechanical CPR device to ensure continuous, effective compressions and coordinated patient care. The patient was transported to the ambulance with CPR ongoing and achieved return of spontaneous circulation. The patient was stabilized, closely monitored and transported for further evaluation and definitive care.
Personnel involved: E-2 and A-1 crews; firefighters Charles Dahl, Joseph Reighn, Patrick Dugan and Nicholas Foglio.
Opioid overdose
— On May 7, 2025, dispatcher Juan Sanchez dispatched officers to an apartment in the 800 block of Atlantic Avenue for an unconscious person. Sgt. Mike Hall and Officers Lou DiLuzio and Jonathan Monzo located the male victim face down on the bathroom floor, exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose. DiLuzio and Monzo rolled the victim onto his side so that Monzo could administer Narcan, which had a positive effect on his breathing. Firefighters took over primary care and transported the victim to the hospital. Officers located paraphernalia with an unknown white powder on a nearby dresser, confirming their suspicions that the victim had overdosed on opioids. The officers collected, preserved and secured this evidence, ensured witnesses were interviewed and secured the apartment until the arrival of a detective.
Search for suicidal male
— On May 16, 2025, at 8:16 a.m., police were dispatched to a home for the report of a suicidal male. Lt. Pete Kardas and Officer Doug Alcott checked the interior of the property, confirming he was not home, and located a cell phone on his bed. Sgt. Jack Davis contacted Officer Tom Strunk and requested that he respond with a drone while dispatch contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and Cape May County Sheriff’s Department for assistance. Sheriff’s officers used K9s to try to locate the individual, while the Coast Guard sent a helicopter and boat. Davis learned the subject was known to carry a handgun and owns multiple weapons. Class II Officer Cole McNellis located the individual in the 1100 block of the boardwalk. Detective Rich Wilent spoke with the subject while Officer Kayla Ricci handcuffed him and located a loaded gun in his waistband. The subject was transported to Cooper Cape Regional for a mental health screening.
Others involved: Dispatchers Ryan Parris, Ray Blaker, Brian Flaherty, Lt. Robert Reichanek, Sgt. Doug Swillo, Sgt. Brian Teeney, Officer Eric Puga, Officer Matthew Muller, Cape May County Sheriff’s Sgt. Dustin Phillips, Sheriff’s Officer Connor Hughes and Sheriff’s Officer Andrew Garcia.
Unconscious victim
— On May 23, 2025, at 2:02 p.m., dispatcher Rachel Anderson received several calls reporting a fall victim. Officer Anthony Fiorentino located the victim unconscious on the floor, checked her pulse and determined she wasn’t breathing, then began CPR. To complicate matters, the victim’s boyfriend was present and when Sgt. Brian Teeney arrived, he was confronted by the subject who was intoxicated and became aggressive. The subject was temporarily detained in handcuffs to allow Fire Department personnel to take over. The victim began breathing and was transported by ambulance to Shore Medical Center.
Others involved: Sgt. Doug Varnold, Officer Angel Pascual.
Suicidal juvenile
— On May 31, 2025, dispatcher Mark Newman sent officers to the 400 block of Haven Avenue regarding a suicidal juvenile in possession of a knife. Officer John DuPont and Officer Jeff Doto found a woman standing alongside the driver door in an animated conversation with a subject in the driver seat. DuPont discovered the woman’s son, a juvenile, holding a large knife between his legs. Recognizing that the juvenile was experiencing some type of mental health crisis, DuPont told the woman to step away from the vehicle and requested additional patrol units. Lt. Joshua Clark directed units to block access to both ends of the parking lot and had Officer Jonathan Monzo get a ballistic shield to provide cover in the event the juvenile exited the vehicle with the knife. Officer Alexandra Sharp, a member of the Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team, began a dialogue, trying to convince the boy to drop the knife and exit the vehicle. The boy became increasingly agitated and began positioning the knife against his thigh and wrist, before pointing the blade at his heart. Clark and DuPont broke the car window and removed the juvenile. Once the car window was shattered, DuPont grabbed the juvenile’s wrists, successfully disarmed him and removed him from the vehicle. He was transported to Cooper Cape Regional for a mental health evaluation.
Others involved: Officer Jacob Diggons, Officer Joshua Newman and Officer Abu Bhuiyan.
Possible overdose
— On June 8, 2025, at 4:38 p.m., dispatcher Mark Newman answered a call reporting a possible drug overdose. Officer Brett Campbell spoke with the victim’s father, who reported that his son was likely overdosing in his bed and he could not wake him up. He also said that his son has schizophrenia and has been addicted to cocaine and alcohol for the past two years. The man suspected his son had taken a higher than prescribed dose of Lithium, mixed it with alcohol and another narcotic. Campbell determined the son was unconscious but breathing, then administered Narcan. That awakened the subject and upgraded his status until Fire Department personnel assumed care for the victim and transported him to Shore Medical Center by ambulance.
Others involved: Lt. William Lick, Officer Anthony Millevoi.
Tourniquet needed
— On June 21, 2025, at the Fifth Street jetty, lifeguard Luke Mastroni responded to treat a man bleeding heavily from his leg near the jetty. Mastroni alerted nearby guards, grabbed the medical kit and moved quickly toward the scene. When he arrived, bystanders had attempted to control the bleeding using T-shirts as makeshift tourniquets. The injury was severe, and blood was actively flowing. Mastroni removed a tourniquet from the medical kit, warned the patient that it would hurt and applied it properly. Within moments, the severe bleeding was controlled. Mastroni then worked alongside fellow guards to safely move the patient off the jetty, secure him onto a stretcher and transport him by Polaris to awaiting emergency responders.
Bathers in distress
— On June 22, 2025, at 5:52 p.m., Class II Officer Nino Class was on patrol when he heard someone yelling from the beach for help. Class recognized three bathers in distress about 25 yards into the surf. Class began removing his uniform to enter the surf. One of the victims had made it close enough to shore that he was able to stand while the other two were still in water over their heads and in distress. Class noticed they were holding onto a boogie board and began pulling them to shore. In waist-deep water, one bather was able to stand and walk to shore but the other fell unconscious and collapsed. Class pulled the subject out of the surf as members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol arrived and assumed care.
Others involved: dispatcher Rachel Anderson, Class II Officer William Copeland.
Person with a knife
— On July 9, 2025, at 10:06 p.m., dispatcher Mark Newman received a call reporting a suicidal person with a knife. The victim was holed up in the bedroom and could be heard talking with Newman and crying. Sgt. Neal Cullen began communicating with the victim, persuading her to drop the knife and come out of the room. She responded that she was unable to move, at which time Lt. Joshua Clark and Cullen entered the room and observed the victim with a kitchen knife pressed against her stomach. Cullen was able to remove the knife from the victim’s hands. Once the scene was deemed safe, Fire Department personnel transported the victim to Shore Medical Center.
Others involved: Officers James Crowley, Austin Ogule and James Banks.
Potential jumper
— On July 17, 2025, while off duty, firefighter Charles Dahl was driving over the Ocean City-Longport Bridge when he saw an individual climbing over the bridge railing. Dahl stopped his vehicle and observed that the individual was visibly distressed, crying hysterically and stating his intention to jump. Dahl approached the individual while attempting to verbally de-escalate the situation and encourage him to climb back over the railing. As Dahl moved closer, the individual instructed him to stop and leaned further out over the water. Dahl calmly urged the individual to reconsider and stated that he wanted to give him a hug. At that moment, the individual used one hand to wipe tears from his face, briefly obstructing his vision. Dahl lunged forward, secured the individual and pulled him back over the railing. People in a passing vehicle had observed the situation and two members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol exited to assist. Police officers arrived and began speaking with the individual. They assumed custody and transported him for appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
Others involved: Officers John Dupont, Tim Sharpe and Mike Hall.
Unconscious individual
— On July 18, 2025, emergency crews were dispatched to the 18th Street pickleball courts for reports of an unconscious individual. While units were en route, dispatch advised that CPR was already in progress. Fire Department crews found the patient lying on the court, unresponsive, with a palpable carotid pulse and agonal respirations. Bystanders reported that the individual had been seated on a bench after completing a round of pickleball when he suddenly slumped forward, fell to the ground and struck his face. Witnesses quickly recognized that he was not breathing and immediately called 911. Under the guidance of emergency dispatchers, bystanders initiated CPR while city employee Jackie Adams retrieved an AED, applied the pads and delivered one shock prior to the arrival of EMS. The patient received two rounds of bystander CPR and one defibrillation before advanced care reached the scene. The individual began breathing normally and regained consciousness, becoming alert and responsive.
Others involved: Firefighters Daniel Boardman, Brian Day, Shawn Kruger and Trevor Ermelin.
Possible overdose
— On July 24, 2025, at 9:56 p.m., dispatcher Kelsey Meyer received a call reporting an unconscious person who has a history of alcohol abuse. Officer Brett Campbell found the victim lying unconscious on the floor and applied a sternum rub, which partially awakened the victim to the point that she was able to speak. She said she had ingested twice the prescribed amount of Trazadone and consumed alcohol. Campbell then administered Narcan. The victim was transported by ambulance to Shore Medical Center.
Others involved: Lt. William Lick, Officer Austin Ogule, seasonal officer Alex Paulozzo.
Food truck fire
— On July 28, 2025, Capt. Bryan McCloud was attending a friend’s birthday party when a generator inside a food truck providing catering services caught fire. The fire extended both inside and outside the vehicle and had the potential to damage the residential structure and surrounding vehicles. One individual suffered burns and was transported to a hospital for treatment. A food truck employee entered the backyard where the party was taking place and alerted attendees to the fire, requesting access to a garden hose. McCloud initiated fire-suppression efforts and directed the homeowner to call 911. The food truck employee began applying water to the fire. McCloud then assumed suppression efforts. Officers from Longport Police Department arrived shortly thereafter and assisted using the homeowner’s fire extinguisher.
Propane tank explosion
— On Aug. 8, 2025, shortly after 11 p.m., dispatcher Juan Sanchez received the first of several calls reporting a structure fire in the north end of the city. Officer Joshua Newman helped organize the evacuation of people from other apartments at that location and the adjacent property, then focused on the rear of the property where the fire was most active, checking to make sure there were no remaining occupants inside. While doing so, a propane tank on the rear deck exploded. After Fire Department personnel arrived, Newman remained on scene for several hours assisting with the investigation and crowd control.
Others involved: Officer Grace Fox.
Choking victim, CPR
— On Oct. 2, 2025, at 9:20 a.m., dispatcher Trish Callahan received a call regarding an individual choking and provided CPR instructions to an individual on scene with the victim. Officer Anthony Millevoi took over chest compressions. Officer Randy Clark prepped the AED while Sgt. Brendan Gheen cut off the victim’s shirt so the pads could be applied. The victim was shocked multiple times and regained a pulse. OCFD B Platoon Engine 1 and Ambulance 2 crews assumed patient care, continuing CPR and implementing advanced life support interventions. The crews moved the patient to an ambulance, where the patient achieved spontaneous circulation. The patient was stabilized and transported for further evaluation and advanced care.
Others involved: Officer Stanley Scutro and firefighters John Simonson, Eric Masters, Timothy Young, Christopher Spiers and Thomas Dahl.
Swimmers in distress
— On Oct. 5, 2025, at 12:23 p.m., dispatcher Jim Lowe received a call reporting swimmers in distress. The Fire Department was dispatched to a reported water rescue at Ninth Street and the beach. Initial reports indicated civilians were in distress near the jetty, unable to return to shore. Updates increased the reported number of victims to five after two bystanders entered the surf in an attempt to assist. Acting Battalion Chief Chris Vliet located the victims north of the jetty and confirmed that five individuals were in distress. Crews from Engine One and Ambulance assembled equipment and firefighters/EMTs Tom Dilling and Tom Dahl entered the water, navigating hazardous surf conditions to reach the two victims in the most critical need of assistance. Acting Capt. Nick Foglio assisted the two bystanders who had been attempting to aid a third victim. Water Rescue One, Engine Two and Ambulance Two also responded and supported the incident operations.
Officer Brandon Smith launched the drone while dispatchers Lowe and Mark Newman notified the U.S. Coast Guard and Jersey State Police Marine Unit. Officer Doug Alcott provided a rescue can to bystanders while Smith dropped a flotation device from the drone. The initial victims — a woman and her two children — were transported by Ambulance Two to Shore Medical Center for further evaluation.
Others involved: Firefighter George Karpinski, Chief EMT Carl Brown, Sgt. Doug Swillo, Officer Jacob Diggons.
Rescue during storm
— On Oct. 12, 2025, the “A” Platoon was on duty during a significant coastal storm event that produced sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph, widespread flooding and hazardous bay conditions coinciding with the peak of the high tide cycle. At about 3 p.m., during the height of the storm, the department was dispatched for a reported water rescue in the area of North Street and First Street. Callers reported a paddleboarder in visible distress and drifting southbound. The north end of town was heavily flooded from West Avenue to Bay Avenue, with roadways impassable and whitecap conditions present on the bay. Ambulance 1 arrived with firefighter Brian Warly, who put on a wetsuit, secured a department paddleboard from Engine 1 and advanced on foot through floodwaters to the bulkhead at First Street. Warley entered the bay, paddled through wind-driven waves and strong currents to reach the paddleboarder. He stabilized the individual and guided him to a nearby dock, where members of Engine 1 were positioned to assist in bringing the victim safely ashore.
Third-floor fall
— On Nov. 18, 2025, at about 8:05 a.m., Capt. Ryan Kampmeyer responded while off duty to an advanced life support emergency involving a reported third-floor fall at a construction site — an incident meeting established trauma criteria. Kampmeyer responded to the scene, where Ambulance 2 and Engine 2 had arrived, and requested additional resources, including Engine 3 and Battalion Chief 2. Truck 1 also responded after monitoring radio traffic. Kampmeyer’s initiative ensured that critical interventions were not delayed while awaiting additional arriving companies.
Individual recognitions
— EMT Winston Roberts was honored for his service to the community. Roberts has been a certified EMT since 1985 and an integral part of Ocean City Emergency Medical Services for nearly four decades. Roberts has responded to thousands of emergency calls, from routine medical incidents to life-threatening emergencies. As an EMT instructor, he has trained and mentored numerous firefighters and countless EMTs
— The Rev. John Jamieson was honored for 35 years of dedicated service as chaplain of the Ocean City Fire Department. Jamieson, who began his ministry with the department in 1991, is a longtime paramedic and has served as director of Pastoral Care for AtlanticCare for the past 25 years. His extensive service also includes membership on the Shore Medical Center Ethics Committee, former pastor of Grace Bible Chapel, former board president of Central Ocean City Chapel and participation on the clinical Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team. Jamieson also has been a mentor, confidant and trusted adviser.
— Ocean City Police Department UAS Unit: Lt. Mark Pancoast, Sgt. Doug Varnold, Officer Tom Strunk, Officer Lou DiLuzio, Detective Matt Crowley, Officer Brandon Smith, Officer Jacob Diggons, Officer Paul Stryker, Officer Alexandra Sharp, Officer Shane Rauner, dispatcher Joe Repici and civilian IT employee Aaron Mazza. The UAS Unit has responded to a wide range of critical incidents and public safety operations, including fire emergencies, water rescues, suspect apprehension, child abduction response training, crowd safety and aerial support at large scale events.
— In 2023, Officer Stanley Scutro received official orders that his unit within the U.S. Army was being deployed for one year to Syria beginning in early 2024. Scutro served as a Howitzer Section Chief for an M777A2 Howitzer and in command of five soldiers. He was deployed as part of a small artillery attachment from Chaos Battery 2nd Battalion 112th Field Artillery Regiment, supporting infantry operations and security within eastern Syria from March to December 2024.
— Lifeguard Gavin Legos was honored for serving full time on the most demanding beach in the city, which consistently sees the greatest number of medical calls and rescues on the island, requiring strong leadership, steady judgment and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. Through strong preventative actions, clear communication and constant vigilance, Legos helped reduce the number of incidents on the beach to the lowest levels in recent years. His proactive approach kept swimmers safer before situations escalated.
— Lifeguard Julia Cullen was honored for providing steady leadership and quiet confidence to one of the most active beach assignments. Whether it’s a rescue in rough conditions or a medical situation drawing a crowd, Cullen remains composed, focused and in control. That composure reassures her team and the public at the same time. She makes sound decisions, communicates clearly and responds with control and precision in fast-moving situations. Cullen trains hard before the season and continues pushing herself throughout the summer to make sure she is fully prepared when someone’s safety depends on her. When the whistle blows, she responds with strength, control and confidence. Her dedication to preparation sets a standard for those around her.
— Capt. Paul Gallagher was recognized for more than four decades of outstanding service and dedication to keeping the beaches safe. Gallagher has served the Ocean City Beach Patrol for more than 42 years, leading countless rescues, mentoring generations of lifeguards and helping guide the organization through challenge, change and growth. Gallagher represents experience, strength, humility and heart. His legacy is not only in the rescues he has made, but in the generations of guards he has influenced.
— Lifeguard Kyle Roseland was named 2025 Lifeguard of the Year. Roseland stood out clearly among his peers because of the standard he sets every single day. He is always early and usually one of the last to leave. He volunteers for the tough shifts, the busy beaches and the after-hours coverage without hesitation. Roseland operates one of the OCBP’s jet skis and has proved he can handle high-pressure rescues with calm and confidence. He is also the first to volunteer for community outreach programs and always steps up when the patrol needs extra coverage.
— Aleks Kukas was recognized as the 2025 EMT of the Year due to the overwhelming respect of his peers through the way he carries himself every single shift. When situations turn critical, Kukas is the steady voice and steady hands leading patient care. He stays calm, thinks clearly and makes strong decisions under pressure. That level of composure makes a difference not only for the patient, but for the entire team working alongside him. Kukas treats every tourist like they are the most important person in that moment. He volunteers for demanding shifts and after-hours coverage and supports our community outreach programs. Kukas also takes the time to mentor newer EMTs, sharing his knowledge and helping raise the standard for the entire medical division.
New firefighter
Walker took the opportunity to swear in a new officer and another as captain.
“The fire department is built on many traditions, and the swearing in ceremony is one of the most meaningful,” he said, calling up Ethan Meisenhelter.
A member of the Meisenhelter family has served the Ocean City Fire Department consistently since 1964.
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
