Board awards Narozanick ‘Freeholder Emeritus’ title Ted Narozanick FREEHOLD — In honor of Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick’s 48 years of service to the citizens of Monmouth County, the county Board of Freeholders on Dec. 21 awarded him “Freeholder Emeritus” status upon his retirement at the end of this month. According to a press release from the county, the term “emeritus” is used when a person of importance retires, so that he or she can continue using that title. Narozanick is the only Monmouth County freeholder to be awarded this status. “From the day he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and throughout his busy career and volunteer life, Ted Narozanick has always given more thought to others than to himself,” Freeholder Director William C. Barham said. “We are all very fortunate that Ted chose to give his time and energy to Monmouth County, because he improved the quality of life here for everyone.” Narozanick served in World War II and earned the Bronze Star for bravery, heroism and meritorious service for his role in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. In 1945 he returned to his home in Englishtown and opened a hardware and farm supply business. “I can think of no one more deserving than Ted Narozanick for freeholder emeritus,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. “Ever since that September day 66 years ago when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, Ted has always been a public servant. It is his life’s work and he has been a shining example for all who follow in his footsteps.” Narozanick served on the Englishtown Borough Council for seven years and was elected mayor in 1954, a post he held for 12 years while also serving on the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education. He has served as chief of the Englishtown Fire Department, commissioner of the New Jersey Boat Regulation Commission, vice commander and member of the Monmouth County American Legion, a member of American Legion Post 54, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4374, the Navy League and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. Narozanick was elected to the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders in 1985 and was re-elected every three years thereafter. He is concluding his seventh consecutive three-year term on the board, where he oversees the Department of Administration and Special Services, which includes the Board of Elections, Brookdale Community College, Economic Development and Tourism, the Vocational Board of Education, Personnel, the Planning Board and many others. He also serves as the freeholder liaison to the Monmouth County Library System and to the fire and police academies. “Ted’s legacy in Monmouth County dates back to the 1950s when he was the county’s administrator,” Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton said. “It is largely because of Ted’s vision that we have, among other things, the best and largest library system in the state, the best park system in the country and an unmatched level of public services.” Narozanick a member and past chairman of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority Inc., the state agency that decides how federal transportation dollars are spent in New Jersey. In 1996, Narozanick was the recipient of the “Local Elected Official” award given by the White House Conference on Library and Information Task Force. “Ted Narozanick has done so much for Monmouth County that he has become an institution,” Freeholder Anna C. Little said. “It is because of Ted’s hard work and dedication that we are all better public servants and better citizens. As the newest freeholder, I am glad that I will be able to look back one day and proudly say that I served alongside Ted Narozanick.” Freeholder-elect Barbara McMorrow, who will replace Narozanick on the freeholder board, said, “Ted, you have always been just a phone call away. I hope that after Jan. 1 you will still be just a phone call away. Even though I am taking your seat, I will never be able to take your place.”