Firefighter Bill Cripps grew up in North Wildwood.  FF Cripps' family owned and operated three businesses within the Wildwoods.  FF Cripps followed in his father's, Charles Cripps, foot steps who was a Career Firefighter with the North Wildwood Fire Department, until his passing in 1996.  Bill graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School in 1993.  He attended several schools to become a certified firefighter and emergency medical technician.  Bill began his firefighting experience when he joined Holly Beach Vol. Fire Company in 1996, then moved to Wildwood Fire Company #1.  He started with the Municipal Division as a part-time Firefighter/EMT in October 1997.  He also worked with his father's department, North Wildwood Fire Department, as a part-time FF/EMT in 1998.  FF Cripps was appointed provisional in March, 2000 with the Wildwood Fire Department then elevated to Full-time Firefighter with the Municipal Divisi on in July 27, 2000.  He is currently assigned to the "C" Platoon.

FF Cripps is certified as a Level I instructor, Fire Official, Hazardous Materials Technician.  FF Cripps is currently residing in Wildwood with his wife, Crystal and their three children, Zachary, Nicholas, and Mia.