He is a man who throughout his career has been as loyal to Evesham as the township has ever seen. Brown boasted about the man he looks up to and whose friendship he cherishes.
“Nick’s had more jobs in town than probably most, and why? Anytime somebody needed somebody to do something, they asked Nick. You always hope for that person or those people who can be your guide or your neighbor. And Nick’s been all that, for many, many, many years he’s been all that.”
During his 47-year career with the township, Matteo was a detective first class, patrol sergeant and was appointed in 1990 as Evesham’s third chief of police.
When Brown came into office in 2007, he was determined to get the Fourth of July parade back in full swing. It was during this time that he saw the influence Matteo brought to his cause. During the proclamation, Brown reminisced about the conversation he had with Matteo during that parade.
“In my first parade of July 2008, my friend, Nick Matteo, and I stood at the top of Main Street and Maple and looked down and said, ‘look what we did in one year.’ Looked down at 10,000 people sitting there waiting for a parade to start.”
Matteo was honored not just for his work in the line of duty, but for his character, integrity and the personal impact he had on those he served and who served him. Seats were filled with citizens, and the back of the council room was lined with several officers.
“I will always cherish
the friendship, and the relationship and the commitment
and the loyalty that you have not just to me but to this town, which has been spectacular,” Brown said. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for what you’ve done, the way you’ve contributed.”
In other news:
• An ordinance was adopted to renew consent and permission to South Jersey Gas Company to use public streets to furnish gas for light, heat and power in the township.
• Golf course fees and charges have been amended.
• The township is rezoning certain portions of the Industrial Park Zone in the vicinity of Sharp Road and Evesboro–Medford Road for residential purposes.
• The next township meeting will be held on Dec. 17.
