Wildwood Crest honors municipal crews after major February blizzard

Wildwood Crest officials publicly recognized municipal employees for their response to the Feb. 22–23 blizzard, praising extended shifts, interdepartmental coordination and efforts to keep emergency routes accessible.

The mayor opened the recognition, saying the storm tested borough infrastructure and the "dedication and the profession of the people who serve our community," and invited public works staff forward to be recognized. The mayor specifically asked that "our superintendent, Steve Shearer, and or assistant superintendent, Nick Abner" be acknowledged.

Steve Shearer, introduced by the mayor, described the storm response in detail. He said crews prepared ahead of the storm, worked extended 10– to 20‑hour shifts, cleared emergency routes (north/south and most east/west streets) and continued cleanup in the days after the storm. "We received, or call to respond to 215 calls over the 3 day period," Shearer said, noting the department prioritized emergency access and assisted residents with urgent needs, including helping a cancer patient reach treatment. He added that the borough recorded "over 20 official inches of snow on the ground."

Commissioners and the mayor emphasized that snow operations focus on moving snow to ensure emergency access rather than removing private driveway snow, and they thanked police, fire, emergency management and other staff for coordination. The governing body encouraged residents to clear private drives and noted positive public feedback on social media and by email regarding the cleanup.

The recognition concluded with a photo opportunity and public thanks from the mayor to municipal staff for service during the storm.