From left, Longport Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Lawler, retiring Police Office Christopher F. Ricciotti, Mayor Nicholas Russo and Commissioner Jim Leeds Sr.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT The Board of Commissioners Wednesday, May 18 honored a longtime employee of the Longport Police Department who retired this year.
Mayor Nicholas Russo and the commissioners honored Christopher F. Ricciotti, who worked for the Borough of Longport for 32 years, first as a dispatcher and then as a police officer for 22 years, with a proclamation naming May 18 at Christopher F. Ricciotti Day in Longport.
Ricciotti, who has also served as a volunteer firefighter in Longport since 1990, obtained the rank of captain in the Longport Volunteer Fire Department.
During his law enforcement career, he was recipient of numerous awards including for meritorious service during an active shooter incident and saving the life of a resident. He is also the recipient of the Patriot Award, a Life Saving Award for performing CPR on an unconscious victim. He was also awarded the Atlantic County Award for Valor in March 2010 for saving the life of a fellow firefighter.
Ricciotti served as president and vice president of Longport local PBA 363, and in 2010, he was elected as a state delegate, a position he held until his retirement. In July of 2016, Ricciotti was promoted to the State PBA State Executive Board, where he served as trustee and sergeant at arms. He currently serves as the 11th vice president of the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association.
Riciotti thanked the commissioners, Police Chief Frank Culmone, and the officers he worked with during his career.
He also gave thanks to Ellen Cohen, former Mayor and historian Michael Cohen, and the late Jim McAllister.
I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him, Ricciotti said.
Longport Police Chief Frank Culmone presents retiring Police Officer Christopher F. Ricciotti with a framed uniform in recognition of his retirment from the police force.
Culmone, on behalf of the Police Department, also presented Ricciotti with a framed police uniform signed by all the members of the Police Department.
Ricciotti, who lives in Margate, said he plans to continue his volunteer service to the Fire Department.
I'll still be around. I'm not going anywhere, he said.
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