Lakewood Township representatives joined friends and colleagues of David Fitzgerald, the longtime Director of Ocean County Department of Transportation, at special event in honor of his retirement.
Attendees commemorated Director Fitzgerald’s decades of distinguished public service in managing the government transportation services of New Jersey’s fifth most populous County. Director Fitzgerald’s tenure was especially helpful in Lakewood Township – the most populous and fastest growing municipality in the County – where he has effectively worked together with Township and other County officials to serve local transportation needs.
Director Fitzgerlad was instrumental in expanding the County’s Ocean Ride transportation system into Lakewood – recently launching a groundbreaking route in local senior communities; which complements Lakewood Shuttle, the Township’s first-ever public transportation system, which now carries over 150,000 riders a year. These bus routes have substantially improved the quality of life for Lakewood residents who rely on public transportation and helped reduce traffic on busy roads.
Rabbi Lipa Klein, Director of Neighborhood Navigators, and Dvora Hertz, Lakewood Township’s Social Services Aide – who serve as Township liaisons on issues of public transportation – represented the Township at the retirement event. “David Fitzgerald has been a true friend of the Lakewood community and someone who was able to ‘get things done’ on behalf of our residents,” says Rabbi Klein. “It has been an honor to work with David over the past years and I wish him the best upon his retirement.”
“I would like to thank Dave for the unique vision he has that has enabled the County and its Townships to effectively collaborate on taking care of residents’ transportation needs,” says Lakewood Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. “We look forward to continue working together with the new Director, Michelle Arnold, and other County and Township officials to further raise the bar of transportation on behalf of our residents.”
