Ventnor Beach Patrol legend hands off baton

David Funk has some gigantic shoes to fill. 

The Ventnor Board of Commissioners the longtime Beach Patrol member as its new chief at Thursday's meeting. 

“He has made a lifetime commitment to public safety,” Mayor Tim Kriebel said as he administered the oath of office with Funk surrounded by his wife and kids.

    David Funk take the oath of office surrounded by his wife and children.
  

Funk has been a member of the Beach Patrol since he was 14 years old. He won the John T. Gowdy Memorial Rescue Race 11 times and won the South Jersey Lifeguard Championships nine times. 

“He has not only been a cornerstone of the VCBP but also a decorated athlete in lifeguard competitions,” the mayor said.

Funk alos is a lieutenant with the Margate City Fire Department, where he has served for many years.

Although he excels in his positions, he will have “gigantic” shoes to fill in Ventnor as he takes over from the legendary Stan Bergman, who has been the chief for the last 38 years.

Bergman has been a member of the Ventnor City Beach Patrol for 67 years and is also celebrated as an award-winning rowing coach. 

His accomplishments include decades of coaching at Holy Spirit High School and the University of Pennsylvania. He coached Holy Spirit to wins at the Henley Royal Regatta in the 1970s, with one of his boats being named as the top high school team ever by US Rowing.

Five of his proteges have competed on the U.S. Olympic Team, with many of those he coached going on to passing on that knowledge to other student rowers.

    Ventnor Beach Patrol Chief Stan Bergman checks the water following the report of a potential shark bite Sunday morning, Aug. 25, 2024.
  

At Bergman’s retirement, Kriebel said the professionalism and capabilities of all members of the Ventnor Beach Patrol are the direct result of Bergman’s leadership and training. 

“While every beach community thinks they have the best beach patrol, I believe our VCBP stands above the rest because of its leadership and that stems from one man, and that man is Chief Stan Bergman,” Kriebel said.

Similarly, Funk’s journey providing decades of exceptional lifesaving service to residents and visitors reflects a lifetime commitment to public safety and excellence in competitive lifeguarding, Kriebel said.

“Known for his loyalty, leadership and a deep connection to Ventnor City, he has earned the respect of his peers, subordinates and leaders alike,” he said.

    From left, Mayor Tim Kriebel, Commissioner Maria Mento, Beach Patrol Chief David Funk and Commissioner Lance Landgraf.
  

Commissioner Lance Landgraf congratulated Funk.

“You have some huge shoes to fill. I’m sure you are aware of that, but I think you are so up for the job,” Landgraf said. “You are exemplary.”

Commissioner Maria Mento, who previously served as the city’s business administrator, said Funk has excelled in administrative work associated with running the organization.

“I was impressed with him from day one. My impression of him was that he was tough but fair,” she said. “He is really dedicated to the job, and he is very reasonable with what he has proposed. When he retires someday, he would make a great administrator.”

Kriebel said as Bergman’s retirement was nearing, Funk took on more responsibilities in the administration of the department, especially in the area of budgeting and forecasting equipment and staffing needs.

“He did that as well as making the training and culture of the Ventnor City Beach Patrol one that is competitive and attractive to potential lifeguards,” Kriebel said.