Friday, March 31st ended an era for one of the department's full-time employees. Deputy Fire Chief Charles "Ken" Sitzenstock retired from the department. He is the first of the fire department's full-time personnel to ever retire.

Ken has spent his entire 35 year fire service career with the Willingboro Fire Department. Ken is married to his wife Karen. He has two children, Brandon and Kacey. Ken was born in Whichita Falls, Texas on Sheppard Air Force Base, he and his parents moved to Michigan soon after when his father, an airman in the US Air Force, was stationed there. After a few years, his family moved to New Jersey when his father was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base. Ken grew up in Mt. Holly and eventually moved to Willingboro.

While living in Willingboro, Ken joined the Willingboro Volunteer Fire Company in January 1982. He was a very active in the fire company and received recognition for his dedication and commitment to the residents of Willingboro Township. He continuously looked to expand his knowledge in firematics by attending as many training opportunities as possible. He contributed in the expansion of fire department services. Some of which included the creation of the Willingboro Fire Haz-Mat Unit and the Willingboro Underwater Search & Rescue Team. During the 10 years that he served the community as a volunteer he held various positions, including Lieutenant, Captain and 1st Assistant Chief, Fire Commissioner and Fire Company President.

He has received the following commendations and awards:

• Life Saving Unit Citation
• Life Saving Award
• Firefighter of the Year Award
• Board of Fire Commissioner Recognition Award
• William A. Schroeder Memorial Award

In 1992, Ken was one of the first two permanent full-time firefighters hired for Willingboro Township. Ken and others that were hired were instrumental in the development of programs such as; station work uniforms, equipment inventory control, vehicle maintenance and repair, SCBA maintenance, fire prevention education.

Ken continued with his fire service education and attained certifications as an EMT, Fire Inspector, Fire Instructor Level II and Incident Management Level II. He served on several committees tasked with the development of specifications for the replacement of apparatus and SCBA equipment.

In 2003, Ken was promoted to the rank of Captain and managed programs such as fleet maintenance, facilities maintenance, SCBA, purchasing and accounts payable. The largest departmental project that he has been a part of is assisting with the development of construction specifications for the new Fire & EMS Headquarters.

In 2016, he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. In this capacity, he assisted the Fire Chief with the management of both the Fire and EMS departments. This included the development of policy, personnel management, budget and capital improvement planning.

Ken has many other contributions to the Willingboro Fire and EMS Departments not mentioned above, but his dedication over the 35 years has proven to the success of both organizations. Ken has been a mentor and great leader over the years, but most of all a person who respected and loved the job!

Thank you for your service to the residents, visitors, and business owners of Willingboro and Burlington County. Enjoy your retirement.