Hometown Hero: Neil Regina
By Cindy Fertsch
With the exception of Superman, not too many people can say that they have fought fires, delivered babies and administered life-saving CPR multiple times – all as a volunteer. The name Neil Regina is synonymous with public Safety in Somers Point. He has been a dedicated volunteer for 42 years serving as a firefighter, an EMT on the Rescue Squad and the Deputy Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator with the Somers Point Office of Emergency Management.
Regina was born and raised in Somers Point. He began serving as a volunteer at the young age of 16 on the Junior Rescue Squad. As a young adult, he worked as the Somers Point Dispatcher. He then became the Linwood Dispatcher where he stayed for 25 years before retiring. Throughout his entire career he continue to serve as a volunteer also. Regina was a Somers Point volunteer firefighter for 15 years and a volunteer EMT for 22 years. He has been and is still volunteering for the Office of Emergency Management for 42 years now. He recently received an award for his service from Somers Point Mayor, Jack Glasser.
The Office of Emergency Management provides public education training for any type of disaster. Storms and major fires are two of the most common disasters we face in Atlantic County. If there is a fire, for example, Regina acts as a liaison between the family in crisis and the Red Cross in order to get the family’s basic needs met, such as shelter and clothing. Regina with the Office of Emergency Management also does a great deal of public education both in the schools and in the senior centers about what to do in a disaster. For example, it is wise to have a “Go Bag” prepared in advance that you can simply grab in an emergency if you need to evacuate. “I Love public Safety and I love Somers Point. It is the greatest town and I love all that it offers,” says Regina.
Regina met the love of his life, Peggy Regina, when he was only 17 years old. They went their separate ways at the time, but reconnected 35 years later and have now been happily married now for six years. Recently, Neil has faced serious medical issues. He has been diagnosed with a myxoma tumor in the heart and is awaiting to hear if he will be able to have it removed. Many people throughout the community are routing for Regina. There is no doubt he has some good Karna coming his way. Kudos to Neil Regina for all he he given back to his community for so long.
