Committee Gives Out First Township Key

After 50 years of service to the Township of Middletown, Trustee John W. Bayard Sr. has been recognized with his own day, a proclamation, and the first ever Township key.

At the Monday, June 18 Township Committee Meeting Bayard, surrounded by East Keansburg Fire Company members was called in front of the crowded meeting room for his proclamation.

“Jack has donated thousands of hours over the last 50 years to help keep Middletown citizens safe,” said Mayor Anthony Fiore.

After reading the proclamation which talked about Bayard’s ascension from member, to Captain, to Third Assistant Chief, to Chief, to President and onto his current role of Trustee and Delegate after joining the Fire Company on May 10, 1962 the audience gave Bayard a standing ovation.

But the praise did not end there.

“Jack does not know this but were not going to let him go yet,” explained Fiore. “Myself and the entire Township Committee administration would like to present Jack W. Bayard with the first ever key to Middletown Township.”

After another standing ovation, Bayard addressed the Committee and audience.

“I want to thank the Mayor and the Township Committee for this and everything they have done to back the fire department one hundred percent. I want to thank my wife, Mary Lou who has put up with a lot over the years. Thank you all again, I appreciate this very much.”

Although the proclamation was issued on June 18, John W. Bayard day was celebrated in Middletown Township on May 11, 2012.