Council Honors Plainfielders

Plainfielders who view City Council meetings on television will see an uplifting segment on the April 13 presentation.

Ceremonial matters included a resolution marking the retirement of Chief Edward Santiago. Councilwoman Diane Toliver Councilman Cory Storch read aloud his many accomplishments and milestones, including this excerpt:
"Chief Edward Santiago began his employment with the Plainfield Police Division on January 6, 1975; promoted to Police Sergeant on February 4, 1985; promoted to Police Lieutenant on July 11, 1986; promoted to Police Captain on September 10, 1989; and was appointed Plainfield Police Chief by Mayor Albert T. McWilliams on April 13, 1999, becoming the first Hispanic Chief of Police in the State of New Jersey."
He served as chief until the title was abolished in 2008 and continued to serve the city as a police captain.

Another resolution honored Emily Washington, who recently passed away on her 91st birthday. She was legendary for her social and political involvement in Plainfield as noted in an extensive obituary. A keen observer of the city scene, she never hesitated to share her opinions and advice with those in power. She was recognized widely in Republican circles and was also well-known for her catering and the Washington Deli that she and her late husband owned in the West End.

Another honoree was Eagle Scout Jarret Brown, who described his project and encouraged others to    follow his example. His Eagle Scout project involved providing an inventory of the Brook Avenue Presbyterian Cemetery in North Plainfield, and clean up services to the property and surrounding areas.

Councilwoman Toliver also presented a resolution to Brenda Gilbert for the Greater Central Jersey Community Choir, a group comprising 20 churches with members including many residents of Plainfield, which has won first place three times in the McDonald's Gospel Fest and has also broken the Guinness World Record for most participants in a choir, topping 1,147 participants.

The ceremonial matters are at the beginning of the meeting, which ran until after midnight. Be sure to see this part and take pride in your fellow Plainfielders.

--Bernice