At its June 8 meeting, the North Whitehall Township board of supervisors recognized longtime community leader Ron Stahley with a proclamation honoring his decades of service to the township in emergency services, public safety, and local government.

Township Manager Randy Cope presented the proclamation, noting Stahley’s extensive contributions to the community.

According to the proclamation, Stahley helped establish rescue services in the township after the purchase of the first Jaws of Life for local fire companies.

He became the township’s first rescue captain in 1983 and was a charter member of the North Whitehall Township Emergency Services Organization, serving as its president from 1986 through 2013.

Stahley also served with the Schnecksville Fire Company and the Central Fire Company, including 11 years as assistant chief and as fire chief from 1987 through 2024.

In addition, he served as a North Whitehall Township supervisor from 1993 through 2011, helping guide the development of parks and recreational opportunities while securing grants that benefited residents.

“Your service has had a lasting impact on emergency services, public safety, and the continued growth and improvement of North Whitehall Township,” Cope said while reading the proclamation.

Following the presentation, township officials shared personal remarks about Stahley’s influence on the community.

“There are people in this township that are alive today because of your physical heroism and your planning for the future,” Jim Steward, fire code administrator and current Neffs Fire Company chief said. “All those things add up to saving lives.”

Supervisor Dennis Klusaritz also thanked Stahley for his years of service, citing his leadership in the fire service and his contributions as a township supervisor.

The board also approved the hiring of Kate Wenck as the township’s new receptionist and permit administrator.

Wenck is scheduled to begin her duties June 29.

Township offices will be closed July 2 in observance of Independence Day.

Supervisors also announced that the next board meeting will be held July 13.

During the meeting, officials discussed plans to provide information about the proposed Earned Income Tax referendum at the 41st annual Schnecksville Community Fair, scheduled until June 20 at the Schnecksville Fairgrounds. Cope said the township hopes to have an informational tent available during at least part of the fair.