BRICK – December 29 marked the final council meeting for Democratic Councilwomen Marianna Pontoriero and Heather deJong, who each served three terms spanning 12 years on the governing body.
Pontoriero chose not to run for re-election, and was not present during the final council meeting due to health concerns.
deJong ran for a fourth term, but lost her bid for re-election.
Pontoriero served as the Public Safety Chair on the Township Council, where she oversaw initiatives with the township Police Department, working with the police on community programs and safety initiatives.
She also supports programs for seniors, children and cancer patients, having survived a battle with cancer herself.
As an attorney, Pontoriero has also chaired the Ethics Information Committee and has been instrumental in securing grants for the township.
Heather deJong currently serves as Chair of the Business and Finance Committee and as a member of the Recreation and Land Use Committees.
She is also the Council Liaison to the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce, Brick Township Housing Authority and the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee.
deJong has been an advocate for the Buy in Brick Property Tax Rebate Program and has promoted the revitalization and growth of small businesses in Brick.
Council President Derrick T. Ambrosino recognized the outgoing councilwomen with a plaque and a Key to the City.
Mayor Lisa Crate said deJong has served as Council President and has served on every committee during her tenure.
The mayor also honored outgoing Council President Ambrosino with a plaque, calling him “a fabulous president,” someone who is very involved, is great at listening and asking the right questions.
“You were calm and patient and caring, and listened to everyone’s questions; you were very respectful as people came up to ask questions that were sometimes difficult,” the mayor said.
In other news, Brick Township Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician Ricardo Lopez was named as the 2025 Paramedic of the Year at the National EMS Conference, held in November in Atlantic City when EMS professionals are nominated and recognized for their achievements in the field of EMS.
EMS Director and former Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio said “in the most critical moments, this paramedic stands as a calm, steady presence leading with a vision. As a tactical EMS commander, they have built a team that thrives under pressure through tireless training, strategic thinking and an unwavering commitment to safety.”
“Many individuals, who are experts in their field, are nominated, and the competition is tough,” Riccio added.
“Ricardo Lopez has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, clinical expertise, leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence, earning the respect of his colleagues and the trust of the community he serves,” she said.
Lopez won the “esteemed honor” over seven other finalists, the mayor added. The paramedics “show up on what is arguably most peoples’ worst day,” and somehow work to make the situation better, she said.
Mayor Crate presented Lopez with a proclamation naming Tuesday, December 30 as Ricardo Lopez Day in Brick Township.
