The Ventnor City Police and Fire departments Thursday welcomed new members and promoted others at the Board of Commissioners meeting. The ceremony turned festive as supporters celebrated in a way no one has seen before.
Mayor Tim Kriebel, who serves as Commissioner of Public Safety, swore in two new police recruits and promoted two firefighters to higher ranks.
Anthony Bongiorno and Fabian Valdiviezo-Contreras will begin their law enforcement careers with their attendance at the Camden County Police Academy starting in mid-April.
Kriebel also administered the oath of office for Fire Inspector Jeffrey Moore to serve as captain in the Ventnor City Fire Department and Peter Egnor as lieutenant.
When Moore’s installation was completed one of his supporters celebrated by popping a confetti bomb in Council Chambers.
“It took everyone by surprise,” Kriebel said. “But that’s Jeff’s personality, always putting on a show.”
Kriebel said the police officers are filling vacancies created by attrition.
“We had 30 applicants and these two gentlemen were the best,” he said.
After graduation from the academy, the officers will have additional in-house field training and partner with superior officers before they can serve on their own.
Kriebel said there are openings for additional officers.
