Nellie Pou

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Detective Lieutenant Sharon Easton-Lassiter of Paterson, New Jersey, upon her retirement after a distinguished career dedicated to public safety, community service, and the empowerment of others.

A lifelong resident of Paterson and proud graduate of the Paterson Public Schools. Detective Lieutenant Easton-Lassiter has devoted her life to serving the city she calls home. In 1989, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the Paterson Police Department and embarked on a career that would leave a lasting mark on her community. Her groundbreaking journey reached a historic milestone in 2016 when she became the first Black American woman promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the department's history

Over more than four decades in law enforcement, Detective Lieutenant Easton-Lassiter served in numerous assignments and earned a reputation not only as a dedicated professional, but also as a trusted leader and bridge-builder committed to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.

In 2023, she was appointed to lead the Paterson Police Department's Community Partnership Bureau, where she expanded violence prevention, youth mentorship, and community engagement efforts that strengthened trust between residents and law enforcement while creating new opportunities for young people.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sharon has remained deeply committed to faith, family, and community. Whether guiding young people, supporting neighborhood initiatives, or serving alongside her husband, Reverend Dr. Randall Lassiter, she has consistently demonstrated a belief that public service is about uplifting others and helping communities thrive.

Mr. Speaker, Detective Lieutenant Sharon Easton-Lassiter's career reflects the very best of public service. Her leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the people of Paterson have made our community stronger. I am proud to recognize her extraordinary contributions and wish her and her family continued success and happiness in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor HK Metalcraft of Lodi, New Jersey, as it celebrates 100 years in business, a rare milestone built on generations of hard work, family commitment, and pride in a job well done.

Founded in 1926, HK Metalcraft has grown and adapted across four generations of Hopp family leadership, standing as a testament to what steady dedication and strong values can achieve over time. Today, under the leadership of Josh Hopp, the company continues that legacy, carrying forward a tradition of excellence that has endured for a full century.

From its headquarters in Lodi, HK Metalcraft operates a 50,000- square-foot facility that brings together office, manufacturing, and warehouse space to support efficient operations. With a team of about 30 employees, the company produces a wide range of specialized components, including spring washers, metal gaskets, custom stampings, and assemblies that serve industries far beyond our district and state.

Reaching 100 years in business does not happen by chance. It takes resilience, adaptability, and an abiding devotion to both employees and customers. Through changing markets and evolving technologies, HK Metalcraft has remained focused on quality, precision, and doing right by the people it serves.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses like HK Metalcraft are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, support families, boost communities, and help drive our local economy forward. HK Metalcraft's century of success is a powerful reminder of what can be built when hard work meets opportunity.

I am proud to recognize this extraordinary milestone and to congratulate Josh Hopp and the entire HK Metalcraft team. I wish them continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward S. Kovach of Garfield, New Jersey, as he marks an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of active service as a volunteer firefighter and a lifetime of dedication to protecting others and strengthening his community.

A lifelong resident of Garfield, Ed joined Garfield Volunteer Fire Company No. 5 in 1976 at just 18 years old. From that moment on, he answered the call, time and again, whenever his neighbors needed him most. Over the decades, he has served with distinction in many leadership roles, including 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and Captain, as well as Secretary, President, and Treasurer of the company, a position he continues to hold today.

Fifty years of service is a rare and remarkable achievement. Volunteer firefighters give their time, their energy, and place themselves in harm's way to keep their neighbors safe. They respond in moments of crisis and bring calm in the face of danger without asking for recognition in return. Their work requires courage, discipline, and an abiding sense of duty, all qualities Mr. Kovach has shown throughout his career.

Beyond the firehouse, Mr. Kovach has been an active and engaged member of the Garfield Fire Department's broader community, contributing to its traditions and friendship, including through years of involvement in the department's softball league and service in the Fire Department Relief Association.

Mr. Speaker, Edward Kovach's 50 years of service reflect the very best of New Jersey and of what it means to serve others. I am proud to recognize his extraordinary commitment and to thank him, along with his wife Jeanne and family, for the countless sacrifices they have made in support of his service and Garfield.

I wish Ed continued health and happiness in the years ahead.