From left, Margate City Commissioner of Public Safety John Amodeo, Police Chief David Wolfson, administrative assistant Lonnie Thomas, Commissioner Maury Blumberg and Mayor Michael Becker.
MARGATE – The Board of Commissioners Thursday, June 20 honored Chief of Police David Wolfson and his administrative assistant, Leona “Lonnie” Thomas, who are both retiring July 1.
Commissioner of Public Safety and Community Affairs John Amodeo presented a proclamation honoring both employees for their dedication and service to residents and visitors of Margate.
“Chief Wolfson has diligently guided the Police Department through many defining times, including the aftermaths of 9-11 and Hurricane Sandy, implementing the necessary changes to protect Margate’s residents, visitors and officers,” Amodeo said.
He has the respect of his peers in Atlantic County and throughout the state, Amodeo said.
“Chief Wolfson has promoted the philosophy of respect, professionalism and courtesy throughout the department and has always proven himself to be a man of his word,” he said.
Wolfson spent his entire 35-year law enforcement career in Margate City, 19 of them as chief.
“It’s not what I do, it’s what I am,” an emotional Wolfson said, crediting the police officers and staff “who made my job easy.”
“It was a great ride, it was unbelievable, but it’s time to move on,” he said.
Wolfson, 58, a longtime resident of Margate, said he has already charted a course for his retirement years, which will include working for his brother and nephew in their new venture – Range 129, a state-of-the-art pistol range that opened in Absecon in November.
Margate Police Chief David Wolfson and his administrative assistant Lonnie Thomas are both retiring on July 1.
Thomas served in the Margate Police Department for 30 years, starting as a communication officer, and as the chief’s administrative assistant for the last 13 years.
“Lonnie’s contributions were often behind the scenes, but they were no less important to the department’s success,” Amodeo said, commending her for her “admirable level of dedication” and recognizing that the safety of residents starts with a call to the communications center.
