LBI Health Department Mourns the Loss of Health Inspector Eugene “Geno” Mulgrew
On November 2, 2023 our Department tragically lost our dear friend, colleague and fellow civil servant, Mr. Eugene Mulgrew. He was a dedicated and devoted family man, love for his wife and children was always apparent. His tenure in the public health field goes back 46 years, starting in 1976 with the Ringwood Health Department. He then moved south and in 1978 began employment with the Atlantic City Health Department, rising through the ranks in Atlantic City to Chief Environmental Health Inspector.
Mr. Mulgrew has been with our Health Department since 1982, when it just included Long Beach Township. Later in 1986 the Long Beach Island Health Department formed, and he served in the capacity as Senior Environmental Health Specialist. Upon retiring from his full-time position in 2004, he then later supported us as a seasonal part-time health inspector for Long Beach Island, just completing his 18th summer. Having a highly qualified and experienced individual is essential to deliver the health department’s mission and responsibilities in the high season of the summer. He was always here to lend a hand, even off season, post Hurricane Sandy he donated his time, just one of many instances he went above and beyond.
First and foremost, “Geno” as many affectionately referred to him as, was a people person. He was so adept, so quick to learn your name, remember it and make you feel comfortable in his presence. He made it seem effortless to get to know anyone, almost regardless of circumstances and often made a connection to the countless members of our community he served. As a public health regulatory officer, he was a consummate professional, not only seeking remedy, but in a manner that was consistent with both the respect of the law and individuals subject to any action. It was that unwavering resolve that enabled him to be one of the most proficient public health professionals in our field.
Mr. Mulgrew trained and mentored many public health professionals in the field today, including 2 currently serving in the Department. To say you were mentored by Mr. Mulgrew, was to know that you were trained from the best and were provided with both the knowledge and perspective to be successful. His personality and people skills were also displayed when he interacted with local, county and state officials, to seek not only department matter inquiries but community members’ concerns as well. His ability to get the answers, interpretations, and facts of the matter correct were his unwavering commitment.
He was highly respected by his peers and close colleagues. There will likely be many reading this following the devastating news, that were quick to recall him and that is the reflection of him, he cared about you. The department will forever remember his warm and generous spirit. We offer our deepest condolences to family and loved ones, and we ask the public to respect the privacy of any family, friends, and coworkers of the deceased.