Point promotes officers, honors fire company volunteers

By KRISTEN KELLEHER/Sentinel staff

SOMERS POINT — Two police officers were promoted and seven firefighters and volunteers were recognized for as much as 45 years of service to Somers Point, during a City Council meeting Thursday, Feb. 27.

Somers Point Police Department Patrolman David Ficca and Patrolman Robert Gray were both promoted to the rank of sergeant, and took the oath of office during the meeting. 

Ficca has served in the department for eight years, and Gray, who was a detective before being promoted to sergeant, has served for 12 years, according to resolutions recognizing them. Their promotions were effective as of March 1. 

Six volunteer firefighters and a member of the Somers Point Fire Company Auxiliary were also honored. 

Anthony Kurasz was recognized as the Firefighter of the Year for 2019. According to a resolution congratulating Kurasz, he was in the U.S. Navy and spent an additional 12 years in the Naval Reserves, in addition to serving as a member of Somers Point Fire Company #1. 

During the same meeting, Carl Crossman was honored for 45 years of service with Somers Point Fire Company #1. 

Eric Jones was honored for serving 25 years as a member of the fire company, Grae Ayers was honored for 40 years of service, Michael Palermo was honored for 10 years with the fire company and Gerald Michaels was congratulated for his lifetime membership with the fire company. He joined in 1971 and was active until 1982.

Peggy Obemeier was honored for serving for five years with the Somers Point Fire Company Auxiliary. 

During the same meeting, Victoria Leach, a registered dietician at ShopRite of Somers Point, spoke and the council presented her with a proclamation recognizing March as National Nutrition Month. 

Leach said National Nutrition Month was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to “help people live better, eat better, work out, exercise.” 

Through working as a dietician with ShopRite, Leach speaks to children at schools in the area. ShopRite also holds several nutrition classes, cooking classes, festivals, including a gluten free festival, and a diabetes class, among many other events.

City council also honored the Rotary Club of Somers Point for supporting the Good Night Lights program with the Somers Point Police Department.  Through the program, first responders signal with flashlights with children in the pediatric wing of Shore Medical Center.