Hopewell Valley First Responders Honored at Annual Mayor’s Awards Ceremony

Hopewell Twp Mayor David Chait speaks at the Mayor’s Awards for First Responders. Photos by Mike Chipowsky

Elected officials, public safety personnel and community members gathered at Woolsey Park on June 6 for the third annual Mayor’s Awards for First Responders, recognizing individuals and organizations from across Hopewell Valley for acts of service and bravery.

The ceremony honored first responders and public servants from Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough who were recognized for actions that went beyond their regular duties.

“Our borders might be lines on a map, but our first responders don’t stop at them. We are one valley,” Hopewell Township Mayor David Chait said.

The ceremony opened with the Hopewell Township Police Honor Guard presenting the colors and leading the flag salute. Township Police Chaplain John Kennedy delivered the invocation before Chait welcomed attendees.

Service across the community

Chait noted that public service takes many forms, including the work performed daily by public works employees.

“The township runs because of public works,” Chait said. “This team maintains 144 miles of roads, our buildings, our parks and our fleet and stays ready 24/7 when an emergency hits.”

Among those honored was Christopher Swanson, a Hopewell Township public works foreman and 28-year township employee.

According to Chait, Swanson was attending a township shredding event while off duty when a fire broke out inside a shredding truck that was parked inside a township building.

“When off-duty and attending one of the township’s shredding events Chris was suddenly faced with a dangerous and unexpected situation,” Chait said. “A fire broke out in the shredding truck and was inside the building. Without hesitation Chris snapped into action putting his own safety aside and successfully guided the truck out of the building preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.”

Answering the call, even off duty

Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized that the commitment to public service does not end when first responders leave work.

One example was Hopewell Valley Emergency Services member Bryan Wartel, who was recognized for rescuing two swimmers caught in a rip current while off duty at the Jersey Shore.

“While off duty and preparing to enjoy a fireworks display at the beach Brian was suddenly faced with a life-threatening situation,” Chait said. “Hearing cries coming from the ocean he observed two individuals caught in a riptide and being furthered away from shore. With no lifeguards on duty Brian acted immediately and instinctively. He instructed a bystander to call 911 and went in the water himself.”

Wartel reached both swimmers, brought them safely back to shore and provided care until local first responders arrived, according to Chait.

“His actions and displays of courage directly resulted in two lives being saved,” Chait said.

Chait also reflected on the Valley’s history and connected the spirit of service shown by today’s first responders with those who answered calls to service in earlier generations.

“Two and a half centuries ago ordinary people in the valley answered an extraordinary call for their neighbors and for something larger than themselves,” Chait said. “That spirit did not die in 1776 and it’s alive with every person we honor here today.”

Award recipients

In addition to the awards, recipients received legislative citations from the 15th Legislative District. State Sen. Shirley Turner and Assembly members Anthony Verrelli and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson were not in attendance but provided citations for the honorees.

The 2026 award recipients were:

Hopewell Township

Hopewell Township Public Works: Christopher Swanson, foreman
Union Fire and Rescue Squad: Greg Robinson, firefighter/EMT
Hopewell Valley Emergency Services: Bryan Wartel
Hopewell Township Police Department: Detective Steven Ciosek and Officer James Klesney

Hopewell Borough