Matt Peskin, national project coordinator of National Association of Town Watch, presented Coplay Town Watch with recognition for its National Night Out Against Crime event Aug. 4.

“This is the seventh time in our 20-year history that we have won this award,” William Leiner Jr., Coplay Town Watch president, said. “It is a tribute to the people who volunteer to make this day a success.”

In addition to the national award, Coplay Town Watch received awards from state Rep. Daniel McNeill, D-133rd; state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th; Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra; Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr.; and Coplay Chief of Police Vincent Genovese.

Leiner recognized the contributions from Gary D’Angelo, Coplay Police Department; Ann Marie Slavick, executive director of Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce; Francis Bilder, Whitehall Fire Department; and Mick Dee and the other volunteers and officers of Coplay Town Watch.

During the meeting, Leiner notified members that he intended to step down as president.

“The demands of my duties on the school board force me to resign as president,” he said. “I appreciate all the support you have given me during all our years together.”

A new slate of officers will be elected at the next regular meeting.

See related photo on page A2.