Middletown honors firefighters, newly promoted officers and championship athletes

Middletown Township used its Dec. 15 committee meeting to swear in promoted public-safety officers, present township keys to long-serving volunteers and celebrate local athletic achievements.

Lieutenant Michael Heaton and Sergeant Nicholas Zebkow were administered the oath of office before the committee, each reciting the standard oath to support the U.S. and New Jersey constitutions and to faithfully perform the duties of their offices. Committee members and attendees congratulated the officers following the swearing-in.

The committee presented keys of appreciation to several longtime volunteers. Mayor Perry honored former police chief Robert Letts for a lifelong record of service that began with enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps and an MTPD hire date read aloud from the record; the mayor cited Letts's FBI National Academy attendance and other recognitions. Deputy Mayor Rick Hybel presented a key to his father, William (Bill) Hybel, recognizing roughly 50 years of volunteer service with the Middletown Township Fire Department and the Independent Fire Company of Belford. Mayor Perry also presented a township key to John Drucker in recognition of five decades of service with Fire Company No. 1, noting his roles as assistant engineer, chief engineer, lieutenant, captain, trustee and president and his coordination of LOSAP and related firefighter-support activities.

John Drucker accepted the key and thanked colleagues and residents: "It has been an honor to serve our community. I was born here," he said, and he encouraged residents to consider volunteering for fire, EMS or OEM service.

The committee also recognized athletic achievements: Middletown High School South's boys varsity soccer team was honored for a 17-win season, the program's first NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 sectional championship and an appearance in the Group 3 state final. The mayor announced a parade for the River Plaza Chargers to be held Saturday the 20th, beginning at Normandy Park and ending at Trezza Field, to celebrate the national-championship-winning youth team.

Committee members used the remarks period to congratulate honorees and to urge continued volunteer recruitment; there was applause and a brief recess for photographs. John Spinelli offered a brief public comment during the public-comment period, extending holiday greetings and mentioning a potential sign to celebrate the Chargers' championship.

The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn carried unanimously.