By Michael V. Crismali, Correspondent
East Windsor Township said goodbye at its annual reorganization meeting to three dedicated and long-term township employees, including Police Chief Harry Marshall, who have all decided to retire., Mayor Janice Mironov conducted a special dedication to each of them and thanked them, not only for their hard work and dedication, but also for the legacy they leave behind., Former Director of Public Works William Askenstedt started working for East Windsor in 1984, and has given 32 years of service to the township. He worked his way through the ranks, holding various positions in the department, becoming Director of Public Works in 2000., Further illustrating his dedication to East Windsor township, Mr. Askenstedt also served as a volunteer firefighter for East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #2, including being chief for 19 years., Mayor Mironov said Mr. Askenstedt works a little differently, but at the end of the day, always gets the job done. She spoke about his depth of knowledge and that his biggest accomplishment is the department that he has built. The mayor added that while Mr. Askenstedt will be missed, the team he leaves behind is more than capable of keeping the municipality running smoothly., Mr. Askenstedt thanked all mayors and council he has had the opportunity to serve under. He was appreciative for the goals and objectives he was given as something to strive for, but he was mostly grateful for the tools provided to him to get the job done. He thanked all emergency service personnel and stated that East Windsor has some of the best volunteers anywhere who are dedicated and hard working. He also thanked all the staff he had an opportunity to work with, as well as the very best police department he has had the opportunity to collaborate with. His biggest thank you was to the men he worked with through the years, and he made sure to clarify that he worked side by side with them and he echoed the mayor’s sentiments that East Windsor township is in fantastic hands., The next dedication was to Police Chief Harry Marshall. He joined East Windsor Township Police Department in January 1995 after serving as a police officer in Eastampton Township in Burlington County for five years. He quickly rose through the ranks in East Windsor, serving in various capacities in the department. He served as a detective, sergeant, and lieutenant before becoming police chief in Aug 2014. He has served as emergency management coordinator, and has helped nurture one of the strongest police departments around filled with well educated, highly trained people who care about the community., Chief Marshall also served in N.J. Air National Guard 108th Air refueling wing for 20 years with a tour in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm retiring as a captain., Chief Marshall expressed appreciation to mayor and council, the community of East Windsor, and all colleagues he has had the opportunity to work with through the years. He also thanked his wife and family for their guidance and support throughout his career, and he concluded by addressing the many officers in attendance by letting them know that he holds them in very high regard as individuals, as well as a collective group., The final dedication was to Municipal Court Administrator Claudia Rosenberg, who has been with East Windsor Township since 1985. She rose through the ranks within the Municipal Court, holding various positions, finally becoming the administrator in 2012., Mayor Mironov said that since receiving her certification, Ms. Rosenberg has been called upon many times by the N.J. administrative office of the courts to serve as an adjunct and as a panelist in terms of providing instructions to other individuals. This is considered an extraordinary honor to be asked to participate in such respect. This illustrates that a person is highly qualified, and has qualities that allow them to effectively share their knowledge and skills with others., Ms. Rosenberg is also a long time East Windsor resident who served on the Twin Rivers Homeowners Association for more than 10 years as vice president, in addition to serving a few positions at the McKnight School, and spearheading the parent watch safety program in East Windsor., Ms. Rosenberg the mayor and council for the opportunity to work in the courts for 31 years. She said she was thankful for all the wonderful people she has had the opportunity to work with through the years. As a lifelong East Windsor resident, she said she will not be going far and plans to visit her former colleagues often.
