Galloway's 'Whitey' Swartz Honored on Arbor Day

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said he couldn't think of anyone more deserving to be this year's Arbor Day honoree than Harold "Whitey" Swartz.

Looking at the list of past recipients, which included a number of former politicians, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 155 and community activists, Levinson said that some people might think that it was an oversight that Swartz was never chosen before now.

"It was an oversight," he said, noting that he wasn't saying that because it's an election year.

“There are many members of the community whom we could have chosen to honor, but I can think of no one who is more dedicated, hard working and admired by his fellow citizens (than Swartz). It is our privilege to recognize Whitey.”

During Friday's Arbor Day ceremony—the county's 26th—a Kwanzan Cherry Tree was planted in honor of Swartz, a Galloway resident. The ceremony was held at the Anthony “Tony” Canale Training Center in Egg Harbor Township.

Proclaimed as a holiday in 1874, Arbor Day is commemorated each year in communities throughout the world by encouraging tree planting and tree care.

In Atlantic County, Arbor Day provides an opportunity to recognize county residents for their exemplary community service with the planting and dedication of a tree in their name.

Swartz began his fire service career 53 years ago as a firefighter with the Pleasantville Fire Department, where he worked for 31 years. He followed this by serving as Atlantic County fire marshal for 22 years.

Swartz’s career in fire service also includes 13 years as the Atlantic County fire coordinator.

According to county officials, Swartz was instrumental in designing the Canale Training Center prior to construction in 1990. As a member of the Atlantic County Firefighters’ Association, he implemented several programs and events that recognized local firefighters for their dedication and commitment, including the annual Valor Awards, the 50-year Service Award Programs and the Firefighters Expo.

Swartz also contributed to the development of a memorial monument that honors police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel located at the Canale Training Center. 

In 1968, he started the Firefighters Museum of southern New Jersey in a building next to his Pleasantville home that he converted into a “firehouse” and museum. When he and his wife moved to Galloway, the museum, with its extensive collection of memorabilia and personal photographs, also moved to Galloway.

The museum is free to the public, Swartz said during Friday's program. He said he hopes to open the museum up to school trips, and one day write a book on fire service in Atlantic County.

Swartz has been photographing fire scenes for 55 years. 

"I have over 1,000 pictures picked out for the book," he said.

In regard to being this year's Arbor Day honoree, Swartz added, "it means they are thanking me for things I've done in the past."

He was joined by his wife of 51 years, Joy Ann, along with their sons Robert, John and Harold, two of their sons' spouses and two of their granddaughters.