New Jersey, Township Accolades for Ken Wetzel [Video]

State and local officials paid tribute to one of Hillsborough's longest serving volunteers at Tuesday's Township Committee meeting, as Fire Commissioner Ken Wetzel was honored.

Wetzel, who is stepping down from the township's Board of Fire Commissioners, thanked his fellow volunteer firefighters and his wife, "for all those years she had to have me leave the house for fire calls."

Joining Deputy Mayor Douglas Tomson in noting Wetzel's service were local state representatives Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman, and Assembly members Donna Simon, R-Flemington, and Jack Ciattarelli, R-Hillsborough.

Tomson read the township's proclamation which noted some of Wetzel's contributions and service to the township, including: 

• Joining Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. in April 1976
• Serving as president, Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. 1977-78
• Serving as chief, Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. 1982-83
• Serving on the Board of Fire Commissioners, 1986-2010
• Obtaining FEMA firefighters assistance grants in 2007 and 2008

The state proclamation, read by Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, declared "Be it resolved, by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, that this legislature hereby honors Ken Wetzel, commends his meritorous service on the Hillsborough Board of Fire Commissioners, and extends to him its sincere best wishes for his continued success and happiness."