Township officials designate Sept. 11 as annual Recognition Day

Purpose will be to recognize first-call responders and community service volunteers

By John Tredrea
   As several dozen uniformed members of the Valley’s police departments and volunteer emergency service units looked on, the Hopewell Township Committee voted unanimously Monday night to proclaim that Sept. 11 of every year will be Recognition Day for all first-call responders and community service volunteers.
   The uniformed volunteers had been invited to the meeting and each identified himself/herself. Among those with the most seniority who attended were Richard Pratt, of Hopewell Township, a former township fire commissioner and member of the Pennington Fire Company for nearly 50 years; Stewart Schwab, a Pennington resident and chief of Pennington Fire Company; Janet Crum of the Union Rescue Squad; and Chief George Meyer of the township police, who also is with Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad.
   The resolution proclaiming Sept. 11 Recognition Day begins by stating that the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States "claimed the lives of hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMS (Emergency Medical Service) personnel."
   The document termed first-call responders, both volunteer and professional, "unsung heroes" who deserve "recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice, and for preserving the peace and well-being of all humanity."
   Township Committeewoman Judy Niederer’s father, Jim Abbott, long known locally as "River Jim," has been a member of Union for over 50 years and has led hundreds of river rescue operations on the Delaware.
   Her voice breaking, Ms. Niederer said to the assembled uniform personnel, "I grew up with a great volunteer who is still a great volunteer. So I know what you guys do. It is very hard to put into words. Thank you very much."
   Added Committeeman Mark Iorio, "Thank you very much for your valor and your inspiration to others," added Committeeman Mark Iorio.
   Deputy Mayor David Sandahl hearkened to images of Sept. 11, 2001 when he thanked the personnel on hand and their colleagues by saying, "None of us will ever forget the looks on the faces of those who saw danger and then ignored it by going into it."