New Eagle Scout Honored By Long Valley Mayor And Police

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Another Washington Township Boy Scout recently earned scouting’s highest honor and received recognition from local police department members and Mayor Matt Murello.

Washington Township officials presented a formal proclamation to Lucas Rowland from Boy Scout Troop 236, welcoming him into the rank of Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank or achievement in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, approximately four percent of scouts have earned this rank after a rigorous review process, according to officials.

Scouts must plan, develop, and lead others in a service project that benefits any religious institution, school, or part of the local community in order to receive the rank.

Rowland's Eagle Scout project focused on renovating the Marine head at the Battleship New Jersey Museum. As part of his project, he helped repaint bunks and closets to preserve the ship's history and allow veterans to reconnect with a part of their past during the museum's self-guided tour.

Local police officer Chris Seely attended the ceremony and spoke with Rowland about his time in the Scouts and his Eagle Scout project. On behalf of the Washington Township Police Department, Seely presented Rowland with a letter of recognition from the department.

Rowland, who joined the Boy Scouts of America in 2018 after his family returned to the United States from living in the Netherlands and Sweden, chose his Eagle Scout project partly to honor his great-grandparents, both of whom served in World War II.

Murello also noted that Rowland is a senior at West Morris Central High School and a three season varsity runner.

Approximately 124 Boy Scouts within Troop 236 have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, according to Long Valley Troop 236.