Longtime Roxbury Firefighter Named a 'Senior of Distinction'

ROXBURY, NJ – Landing resident Robert Rossi was one of 29 people recently honored by U.S. Rep. Tom Kean (R. 7 ^th Dist.) at his second annual Seniors of Distinction event.

The event took place Sept. 13 at the Bridgewater Township Senior Center. The 29 honorees represent residents of the six counties in Kean’s district. They were nominated by friends, family and neighbors, according to Kean’s office.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

Rossi, the father of Roxbury Recycling Coordinator Kellie Ann Keyes, is a longtime member of Roxbury Fire and First Aid Company 2 in Landing.

“It is safe to say – and this is according to a Roxbury fire chief – that there are few volunteer firemen as committed to service as Robert Rossi,” said a statement from Kean’s office announcing the Seniors of Distinction honorees.

It noted that Rossi has been with Roxbury Company 2 for 50 years and has served as deputy chief, captain, lieutenant engineer and assistant engineer.

“He is currently a trustee of the organization and his response to calls even now places him among the top four responders in the entire community,” the statement said.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

Also honored was Mountain Lakes resident Marty Kane, chairman of the Roxbury-based Lake Hopatcong Foundation.

“Marty is known as Lake Hopatcong’s number one caretaker and ambassador,” said Kean's office, noting Kane is also president of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum.

“His advocacy for Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake, is rooted in Marty’s advocacy for clean water throughout the State,” said the statement. “Marty helped champion a legislative effort passed in 2021 to provide NJ Department of Environmental Protection grants to improve water quality and recreational opportunities at Lake Hopatcong and other public lakes throughout the State.  He is currently working toward more state action and monies to go to lake maintenance and conservation efforts.”

Other Roxbury area seniors honored by Kean at the event were Ida Brown of Hopatcong, Edna Deacon of Mine Hill, David Gardner of Mount Arlington, Donna Moser of Hopatcong, Sandra Masklee of Budd Lake, Sharon Still of Netcong, Elmer Still of Netcong, Harvey Kessler of Budd Lake and Colleen Labow of Budd Lake.

The seniors who were selected were chosen :for their long history of giving back to their community and for continuing to lend their expertise, experience and many talents to helping and supporting others today," said Kean's office.

It added that each person has a long lists of achievements, “but more important, a long list of professional, philanthropic, charitable and spiritual activities to which they devote their time and energy every day.”

Kean said the efforts of those who were honored enrich the well-being of their communities.

“Their impressive achievements and extensive involvement in both professional and volunteer activities reflect their dedication and hard work," he said. "I extend my warmest congratulations to all the seniors recognized today and thank them for their tireless efforts to uplift our communities.”

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net