Outgoing Public Works Director Celebrated For Nearly 40 Years In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — Lacey's retiring Director of Public Works Robert Kraska was honored by the Township Committee for nearly 40 years of service to the township.

"For almost 40 years, Rob has devoted his personal life to the Township of Lacey, working behind the scenes to ensure our roads were safe, our infrastructure maintained and our community cared for in every season and circumstance," Mayor Steven Kennis read from a proclamation issued to celebrate Kraska.

The Township Committee meeting was packed with Department of Public Works members, which Committeeman Peter Curatolo noted is usually reserved for meetings where police officers are being celebrated.

"It's my 13th year, I never saw this many DPW folks," Curatolo said. "And it says a lot."

Kraska was praised for his calm demeanor, which was mentioned by committee members.

"In a profession defined by early mornings, late nights, emergency calls and high pressure decisions, Rob has consistently led with calm, cool and collected presence," Kennis read. "His level-headed leadership and even temperament have set the tone for the entire department, never allowing stress to overshadow his professionalism or impact those around him."

Kraska joined the department on Oct. 27, 1986 as a laborer, moving up the ranks through the years until he was promoted to director of public works in 2019.

His replacement is Taylor Riley, who is getting a "baptism by fire" in taking over during this snowy season, township officials said.

"I hope it doesn't get any worse," Committeeman Tim McDonald said. "I really do."

Officials also joked about Kraska "going out with a bang."

"Rob's final weeks on the job included not one but two snowstorms, one of which brought historic accumulation," Kennis read. "Proving that after 40 years, he would not quietly slip into retirement, but instead went out with a bang."