By ED SALVAS
The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce will present its 2017 Public Official Carousel Award to Police Officer Eugene Dello.
Dello is a 35-year veteran of the department, and a member of a family whose service to the city totals more than 100 years.
Dello joined the force as the Animal Control Officer, became a Dispatcher, Court Officer and today serves as the head of the Parking Violations Office. His father, Police Officer William “Billy” Dello, joined the force after serving in World War II, and Eugene Dello proudly shows a framed front page of the Asbury Park Press of December 8, 1941 that says his father was the first to enlist in the Navy following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7.
Eugene Dello is named after his great uncle, Eugene Capibianco, who was the Municipal Judge from the 1930’s to 1974. Another uncle, Peter Capibianco’ was a police officer from the 1920’s to the 60’s. (They are not related to the current city manager, Michael Capabianco.) His brother-in-law is retired Acting Police Chief Anthony Salerno.
Dello also holds the rank of detective and supervises the department’s Special Officers, a group of 18 officers who have full police powers while on duty but not off-duty. He said the Special Officers get the best training in Asbury Park, because the city has everything from diverse lifestyles to multiple ethnic groups and a diverse police force. Dello said he’s enjoyed every job he’s had since becoming a police officer.
“There’s not one job I didn’t like,” Dello said, and he’s very excited to see Asbury Park’s revival. “A lot of great dedicated people are trying to fix it.”
He’s also become very close to his fellow officers, serving as Best Man at their weddings and Godfather to their children. In addition to serving in Asbury Park, Dello is a state delegate for the local Policeman’s Benevolent Association and 5th Vice President of the New Jersey PBA and member of the organization’s Executive Board.
Eugene Dello’s only disappointment is that his parents aren’t here to see him receive the Carousel Award and the changes taking place in Asbury Park. He is the youngest of the eight children of Billy and Elizabeth “Betty” Dello, five boys and three girls, all born and raised in Asbury Park and graduates of Asbury Park High School.
The Carousel Awards will be held on Friday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at the venue sponsor, Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. The theme is “Havana Nights” and attire is Black-tie/Fiesta with cocktails, dinner by Falco’s Catering, dancing and special performances. Tickets are $150 to benefit The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce. Contact the Chamber at 732-775-7676 or info@asburyparkchamber.com for ticket and sponsorship information.
