Bensalem Names New Council Vice President

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Edward Kisselback is returning for a second year as president of the Bensalem Township Council.

Kisselback and Councilman Joseph Knowles were sworn in at Tuesday's reorganization meeting by District Justices Michael Gallagher and Joseph Falcone. Both longtime council members won re-election in the Nov. 7 general election.

Auditors Emmanuel Jones and Dominic Webster were also sworn in.

Knowles was named as council vice president, replacing Councilman Joseph Pilieri, who served in the position last year. Councilwoman Stacey Champion was named as council secretary, replacing Knowles, who had served in the post last year.

Debbie McBreen was appointed as assistant township secretary and municipal clerk.

The council also approved its meeting dates for 2024.

Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo also introduced David A. Christian, Bucks County's most decorated war veteran, before the council appointed seven members of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board.

Vietnam War hero Christian, who grew up in Levittown, was recently inducted into the National Military Hall of Fame for service in the Vietnam War that earned him seven Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry.

Bensalem Township gave Christian a "Hero's Welcome Home" during a ceremony in May.

Kisselback asked Christian to say a few words to the audience, who gave him a round of applause.

"I have so many friends and family who live in the township," Christian said. "Bensalem makes my heart feel good. The people who live here are blessed here. You have the greatest patriotism, police, firefighters, EMTS, elected officials —I talk to a lot of people —and I'd put you up against any township across the United States. And I'll put you in the Top 10 because you're No. 1."