Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2008
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Man with a Mission
Borgata’s benevolent Herb Fisher believes in paying it forward
Atlantic City is a study in contradictions, with historic landmarks and multibillion-dollar casinos alongside poverty and street crime.
One person understands both realities. Herb Fisher, a day-one Borgata security officer, is not just a tireless public servant. He’s also an active link between the gaming industry and the people of Atlantic City.
Over the course of his career, Fisher has worn many hats: former Casino Control Commission inspector, one-time games dealer, gaming school instructor. He has also worked as a certified drug counselor, trustee for the Christ Worship Center Worldwide and officer of the Life Center of Atlantic City, a group that finds low-income housing for city residents. He has led efforts to land casino jobs for Atlantic City natives.
The winner last year of a prestigious Atlantic City Host Award, Fisher is a consummate humanitarian.
“What makes me feel good is knowing I did something good for someone else,” he says. “They come back years later and tell you they would not be where they are in life if not for the patience I had given them. I’m not an emotional person, but that’s a powerful statement for someone to make. I get tears thinking about it.”
Fisher’s contribution can be measured by what he gives and what he’s prevented. At key moments, Fisher has referred many young men and women to city service—before they could fall into the drug culture.
“These same situations existed when I was a kid,” says Fisher, who turns 65 in April. “You still have drug problems; you still have the youth not valuing life, not understanding it. People are having children too young, bearing adult responsibilities too early. There is all the glitter around the city, but we must take an interest in the people who live here.
“You do that by dealing with your youth, trying to get them to appreciate themselves, to see their purpose in life.”
Fisher is a great advocate for the community. Passionate yet modest, he is able to nudge people in the right direction. As a casino veteran, he can speak of the positive opportunities there, in contrast to those on the streets. He offers kids powerful enticements to make good decisions, and shows by example—with his own life. Fisher rebounded from a negative start in life, marked by pre-casino hopelessness and a broken home.
Fortunately for him, there was an intervention. He was raised in a spiritual environment, later served in Vietnam and won two Purple Hearts. His 25th Infantry Division was later acknowledged in the movie Full Metal Jacket.
Fisher appreciates the guidance he received, and passes it on. The rewards come in the form of two priceless words: “Thank you.”
“I’m an idealistic person,” Fishers says. “I believe in the way things could be, not the way they are.” Fisher is no politician, but he’s mastered the art of serving his constituents—the casino patrons and natives of Atlantic City.
