The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners honored longtime township solicitor Joseph A. Zator II for more than 15 years of service and welcomed four new special fire police officers during its Oct. 7 meeting.

Commissioners unanimously appointed Kilkenny Law LLC as the township’s new solicitor, succeeding Zator.

Township Manager Tom Petrucci said the township conducted a request-for-proposals process and received submissions from two law firms. Following interviews and evaluation, the board selected Kilkenny Law LLC.

Board President Jacob Roth, Commissioner Glenn Guanowsky, Petrucci and Director of Legal Services Jennifer Aldifer participated in the interview process. Guanowsky said the firm best met the township’s needs in expertise, cost and its ability to work collaboratively with the township’s in-house legal counsel.

The appointment was approved by a 5-0 vote.

Following the vote, commissioners presented Zator with a Distinguished Service Award recognizing his years of dedication to the township. The proclamation cited his legal guidance, professionalism, patience and commitment to the community.

Roth recalled first meeting Zator July 20, 2016, when he attended a commissioners meeting to fulfill a Boy Scout requirement. Roth described the meeting as contentious and lasting about 2 1/2 hours. At the conclusion of the meeting, he said, Zator was the only person who approached him, introduced himself and thanked him for taking an interest in township government.

Roth said he never forgot Zator’s kindness and respect and continued to observe those qualities throughout their professional relationship.

Other commissioners also praised Zator’s professionalism, integrity and willingness to listen.

Guanowsky, an attorney with more than 35 years of experience, said Zator had earned a strong reputation for both expertise and integrity. He added Zator was among the few attorneys he had never seen lose his temper or raise his voice.

Commissioner Sharon Fehringer-Ricker thanked Zator for helping her and Guanowsky transition onto the board earlier this year and for taking time to explain their responsibilities as newly elected commissioners.

In his remarks, Zator reflected on the importance of municipal government and the opportunities it provides residents to have their concerns heard. He recalled advice from a court reporter friend who told him local government is where ordinary citizens can speak directly with public officials and have their opinions considered.

During his years representing South Whitehall, Zator said he witnessed that process firsthand.

He also praised the professionalism of township officials and staff, noting he worked with five township managers and numerous commissioners during his tenure. Despite differences of opinion, he said elected officials consistently sought to put the community first.

Zator said the relationships he developed throughout his service were especially meaningful.

While he is not retiring from the practice of law, Zator said he wanted to reduce his workload, including the number of evening meetings he attends. He assured commissioners he would assist with the transition to the new solicitor.

Zator also shared his personal connection to the township. After leaving active Army service in 1989, he sought advice on where to settle in the Lehigh Valley. Friends and family recommended South Whitehall, and he eventually made his home in Cetronia.

“I never regretted that decision,” he said.

Zator concluded by thanking the township and its residents for the opportunity to serve.

Commissioners and attendees congratulated the newly sworn-in officers following the ceremony.