Plainfield Township Appoints Highway Commissioner

Late Plainfield Township Highway Commissioner Sam Reichert (left) with Plainfield Mayor Mike Collins at the dedication of the two-lane Renwick Road Bridge in October 2012. Credit: Patch file photo.

Plainfield Township officials on Monday appointed a longtime highway department employee to fill the void left after the death of Highway Commissioner Sam Reichert.

Reichert died unexpectedly Oct. 12 at age 58.

Township Supervisor Tony Fremarek announced Monday night that officials have appointed Ken Marland to serve the remainder of Reichert’s term, which expires in 2017.

“Ken’s knowledge of the highway department, and the experience he has gained as foreman, made him the right choice,” Fremarek said.

According to the township, Marland has been a resident since 1986 and has worked for the highway department since 1998, starting as a seasonal employee. He quickly became a permanent employee, according to a release from the township, and was promoted to foreman in 2004.

“One of my first official acts will be to rename the Renwick Road Bridge in memory of Sam,” Marland said in a press release. “This dedication will permanently honor and remember him for the love he had for Plainfield. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to bring great service to the residents of Plainfield Township.”

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