During the March Board of Commissioners meeting, a ceremony led by Police Chief Michael E. Pitkow honored old and new leaders within the Springfield Township Police Department.

Sergeant Bruce Nesbitt, who is retiring, was honored for his lengthy career by the unanimous passing of a resolution that acknowledged his hard work and dedication. Since his hiring in 1991 and his promotion to sergeant in 2012, Nesbitt has served the Springfield Township community. He has completed countless trainings and presently serves as an instructor at the Temple University Police Academy and the Montgomery County Community College Municipal Police Academy. Throughout his 33-year career, he received numerous letters of appreciation from neighboring law enforcement agencies and 23 letters of appreciation from Springfield Township citizens. The commissioners expressed their hopes for his happy retirement.

Nesbitt’s retirement resulted in several promotions within the department. Judge Katherine McGill of the Montgomery County Magisterial Court issued oaths of office to the newly made Sergeant Christopher Calhoun and Corporal Calvin Wiley.

Public works retirements

The commissioners honored Wesley Halloway, an employee of the district for 35 years. He worked in a variety of roles within the Public Works Department, including driving a refuse collection truck, operating a winter maintenance vehicle, and working in the Public Works garage. The commissioners thanked him for his service and wished him luck in the future.

Michael Grove was acknowledged for his 39 years of service to the township. Grove worked not only for the Public Works Department as an operator of the department’s street sweeper but also as a volunteer firefighter and assisting with roadway maintenance projects. The board honored him for his many years of service.

Recycling report

During February 2024, Springfield Township residents recycled 139.5 tons of material with a household participation rate of 78.3 percent.

The Board of Commissioners wants to remind residents that single-use plastic bags are not suitable for recycling under the program. Additionally, bags or plastic liners should not be used to set trash out for collection. Plastic bags slow down the processing time at the center, which increases costs for the township. Residents are encouraged to recycle their plastic bags at drop-off centers at the local Acme and Giant stores.

Photovoltaic feasibility study

The board authorized the hiring of Celetano Energy Services to develop a photovoltaic feasibility study. This study will examine if it’s possible to put solar panels around the Springfield Township municipal campus. The scope of the work will include preparation of locations, system performances and financial analysis including the impact on the electricity bill.

Ayla DiBattista is a senior at Springfield Township High School.