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Lebanon honors police chief for off-duty river rescue
Summary
The Lebanon Township Committee presented proclamations Oct. 1 honoring the police chief for rescuing a woman from the Delaware River on Aug. 17, 2025; a congressional flag and letters from state lawmakers were read in recognition.
The Lebanon Township Committee on Oct. 1 presented proclamations to the township’s police chief in recognition of an off-duty rescue on Aug. 17, 2025, when the chief aided a recreational tuber in distress on the Delaware River.
JD Bridal of Congressman Tom Cain’s office read a letter and presented a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, praising the chief’s “quick thinking, composure, and noble actions” that saved the life of Kathleen Van Vyme. In part the letter stated: "You acted without hesitation...Your call to duty is exemplary." Assemblyman Peterson and representatives from the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners joined the committee in commending the chief.
Those who were rescued and other community members described the conditions on the river and expressed gratitude; one resident said the rescue left her bruised but thankful and called the chief a “hero.” The chief accepted the honors and thanked the committee and residents.
The recognition occurred during the committee’s regular meeting, which also carried a full slate of routine municipal business including resolutions on audits, equipment purchases and road contracts. No formal action related to the rescue was required beyond the proclamations.
The committee’s next scheduled public meeting remains as posted on the township website.
