At this evening’s Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, the board recognized Captain Robert J. Leon Sr., who is retiring after serving the Lakewood community for more than 34 years.

Captain Leon began his service as a volunteer firefighter in 1992, serving until 2015. He also worked as a part-time firefighter for the district from 1997 until 2002, when he was hired full-time.

Speaking with TLS, Captain Leon said he was honored to have had the opportunity to serve the residents of Lakewood for so many years.

“I hope I leave the fire department in better hands today than when I first joined,” Leon said. “If I could go back in time, I would do it all over again. It has been the greatest job in the world, and it has been an honor to serve the residents of Lakewood Township.”

Additionally, at the meeting, three career firefighters who recently graduated from the fire academy were sworn in.