For Immediate Release – February 22, 2017
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Middletown Township today announced Rick W. Hibell’s appointment to the Middletown Township Committee. Hibell was unanimously voted in at the Tuesday, February 20th Township Committee meeting and will be filling the vacancy left by Gerard P. Scharfenberger, Ph.D. Dr. Scharfenberger resigned this month to take a position on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The Township Committee is excited to welcome Hibell, a lifelong resident of Middletown, to the team. Hibell grew up in Belford, graduated from The Marine Academy of Science and Technology located at Sandy Hook, and he and his wife are raising their family in the Leonardo area. Hibell is also a second generation Fire Chief and owns a marine construction company that is based in Middletown.
Mayor Stephanie C. Murray issued Hibell’s Oath of Office as his wife Kelli held the Bible and his proud parents looked on. “As a Fire Chief and business owner, Rick has proven himself to be an effective leader,” said Mayor Murray. “He knows how to implement policies and procedures, balance budgets, and collaborate with individuals to get the job done. I’m confident he will serve our town with the same heart and drive that he puts into everything else.”
Until he was appointed to the Township Committee, Hibell was a member of the Middletown Township Planning Board where he was afforded the opportunity to listen to conflicting interests and coordinate requests with existing zoning and land use. He also acquired knowledge about how to prevent overdevelopment while encouraging sensible growth.
Hibell will serve as a Township Committeeman through 2018. “As a Middletown Township firefighter, local business owner, and vested member of our amazing community, I am committed to using both my executive and personal experience to enhance the success of this great town.”