Local Heroes: Thomas Radovich & Leno Torelli for Making Sure We Have A Safe Summer

I’ll admit that I’m not the beachy type. My idea of a relaxing summer day involves four walls, air conditioning and a remote control – not sunscreen and an umbrella. But when I do have the (occasional) urge to brave the great outdoors, I head to .

And I’m not alone. Hundreds flock to Stony Creek each week for some swimming and sunbathing. While you may frequent the beach, you might not know Dock Master Leno Torelli and lifeguard Thomas Radovich, who keep the beachgoers safe and happy, sunny day after sunny day.

Torelli, a veteran of the Branford Police Department and former post office worker, has been Dock Master for eight years and works to keep the area around the beach and the dock safe and orderly. Radovich, a UConn graduate and Short Beach resident, is on his seventh year as lifeguard. Thanks for all you do!

Q: Why did you choose this job?
Thomas Radovich: I liked that I got to be outside during the summers and I knew I could pass the test because I had been swimming for ten years before I decided to be a lifeguard and a lot of my friends and people from the swim team I knew, had done it and said it was a good summertime job.

Q: What's your favorite part your job?
Leno Torelli: Meeting people, meeting different people from all over the country. 

TR: I really like being outside. You have a great view out here [in Stony Creek] or at the [Branford] Point. You get to look at the ocean all day – it’s pretty nice.

Q: What's your least favorite part of the job?
LT: Nothing. I like it all.

TR: Some days it’s really quiet down here and you still have to stay alert if there’s anyone in the water. So that’s kinda tough, days like that. They really drag on, they really feel long.

Q: What's your dream job?
LT: What I’m doing. I enjoy it. 

TR: I’d be a freelance painter. That’s sort of my goal. I went to college for that. So hopefully one day I can sell some paintings.