On Wednesday, the Lakewood Township hosted its inaugural “Lakewood Legacy Awards” lunch at the Municipal Building, where dozens of Township employees were recognized for their exemplary public service. Awardees spanned a diverse array of Departments, including the Police Department; Department of Public Works; EMS; Inspection Department; among others. The Lakewood Tax Collector’s office was awarded “Department of the Year” for its accomplishments in making the taxpaying experience convenient and technologically advanced.

The awardees were selected by municipal government leaders and their colleagues, as a result of the unique level of dedication and professionalism they display in their work – which enhance the safety and quality-of-life of Lakewood residents; and make their interactions with government as friendly as can be.

Mayor Ray Coles; Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein; Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes; Township Manager Pat Donnelly; COO Trish Komsa; Kelly Boucher, Assistant Director of Human Resources; and Morgan Solomone, Human Resources Coordinator; headlined the event. Awardees were each individually presented with a personalized award plaque by a leader in their respective Department, alongside a member of the Township Committee.

Mayor Coles shared that he has been serving on the Township Committee and other local government entities for a quarter-century, and greatly admires all the employees that make government work effectively on a daily basis. “Our great employees are here, day in and day out, serving constituents with honor and skill,” says Mayor Coles. “Some of you have been here for thirty, forty years; you make me look like a slacker in comparison!”