Lakewood committee honors
director, officer, students
By cindy tietjen
Staff Writer

LAKEWOOD — Municipal officials took time out at a recent meeting of the Township Committee to recognize an unsung hero, a valued township employee and some talented students.

Among the people honored were a retired court director, a police officer and several students.

After spending 13 years as the municipal court director, Joan Parker announced her retirement.

"She was an inspiration to everyone who had the honor of working with her," said Deputy Mayor Charles Cunliffe. "She truly was a wonderful worker."

Parker was presented with a proclamation from township officials honoring her service.

According to Cunliffe, Parker has 28 years of experience working with various towns and began her career with Lake-wood on July 10, 1989. Cunliffe, who is the liaison between the municipal court and the township, said he felt it was a special honor to present the proclamation to Parker.

Committee members echoed Cunliffe’s sentiments.

"When Joan came on board here in Lakewood, the court system was in bad shape," said Committeeman Robert Singer. "From day one she provided our court with the best of the best."

Parker accepted her proclamation and told committee members that working in Lakewood was a "privilege and a very rewarding experience."

Committee members also singled out Patrolman Joseph Goertz for going above and beyond the call of duty. Officials said Goertz risked his life in March to save four people who were trapped in a burning house on Monmouth Avenue.

He was honored with a Life Saving Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Members of the local VFW nominated Goertz for the national award that is endorsed by 2 million veterans, Cunliffe said.

According to Cunliffe, who is also the committee’s liaison to the police department, Goertz was armed only with a fire extinguisher when he came across the burning house.

"Patrolman Goertz entered the house with no regard for his own personal safety in order to rescue that family," said Cunliffe.

Goertz had to pause for a standing ovation in his honor before making a short speech.

"I don’t think I did anything that anyone else in this job wouldn’t have done," said Goertz. "So I’m a little overwhelmed here."

Last, but not least, the praised several fifth- and sixth-graders who were recognized by the Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The students were honored and received savings bonds for artwork they created and essays they wrote.

The theme of this year’s contest was "What would the world be like without drugs, alcohol and violence?"

The alliance has sponsored the contest for the past four years.

In the art competition, the following students took home awards: Nicolette Bronisevsky, grand prize; David Bello, first place; Valeria Guzman, second place; and Anderson Candelario, third place. In the essay portion of the contest the winners were Taja Conover, grand prize; Joseph Makoviecki, second place; and Paul Suckragh, third place.