The American Legion also honors members of the Sea Isle fire and ambulance departments.
By Donald Wittkowski
They are the ones who catch the criminals, rush inside the burning buildings and save lives at accident scenes – all with great risk to themselves.
Whenever someone calls 911 for help, they are the first ones to respond to the emergencies.
Recognizing their bravery, the Cape May County American Legion paid tribute to Sea Isle City’s hometown heroes by presenting the men and women of the police, fire and ambulance departments with certificates of appreciation on Feb. 13.
“We want to show that we respect you,” American Legion Commander Sherrylee Govoni told the first responders during a ceremony at City Hall. “We wouldn’t be here without you.”
Members of the Sea Isle Police Department are recognized for their service to the community.
Govoni noted that the American Legion has been going from community to community to honor first responders in all of the towns in Cape May County. She said Cape May County is the first county to do so in New Jersey.
In January, representatives of the Cape May County American Legion honored members of the Ocean City police and fire departments for helping two military veterans in separate incidents in 2017, including one man who needed life-saving CPR.
Govoni expressed her gratitude to the members of Sea Isle’s police, fire and ambulance departments for their bravery and dedication.
“I can’t say enough for the work you do for so many people,” she said. “You’re out there supporting your community.”
The American Legion also honors members of the Sea Isle fire and ambulance departments.
Members of City Council and Mayor Leonard Desiderio joined with Govoni during the ceremony inside the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Desiderio thanked Govoni and the American Legion for recognizing Sea Isle’s police officers, ambulance crews and volunteer firefighters, saying that “I wholeheartedly agree that our first responders do a fine job.”
“It is always a pleasure to welcome representatives from the American Legion to town – especially when they are here to honor our veterans, POWs and our military members who are still missing in action. However, this time they came to Sea Isle to present certificates of appreciation to our police, ambulance and fire departments, which was very gracious of them,” Desiderio said in a statement.
