By: | June 4, 2024 | Features | Middletown
By Bill Clark
Rick Hibell’s history of service to Middletown spans back to when members of his family first settled in the township almost 50 years ago. As new residents, they wanted to find a way to become a part of their new community, so they joined their local fire department. Now, Hibell serves as the deputy mayor after years as the township’s fire chief, continuing the long line of service to the township he calls home.
“Volunteering was part of our lives while growing up,” he said. “I grew up learning to be part of a neighborhood and part of our community.”
His dedication to the township takes on extra meaning, as his parents, mother-in-law and brother continue to call Middletown home, in addition to childhood friends.
“It must be great if we all chose to stay,” he said.
Hibell served as fire chief from 2010-2015, the same position his father filled from 1999-2004, overseeing 11 fire companies that serve all 42 square miles of the township. A Leonardo resident, Hibell was responsible for all calls, even those 20 minutes away in Lincroft.
“It was an amazing honor getting the position,” Hibell said, revealing the most special moment was utilizing the same badge that once adorned his father. “He had tears in his eyes. He's very proud.”
As a life member after serving 20 years, Hibell may once again don the protective gear and respond to an emergency. But with so much time dedicated to family, business and his position as deputy mayor, he has taken a step back since finishing his term as chief.
With so much of Hibell’s identity connected to Middletown, it’s no surprise that he represents the citizens in addition to protecting them. Following his tenure as fire chief, Hibell sought ways to continue to stay involved and helpful to the township. Originally appointed to the Township Council in 2018, Hibell was elected to serve again in 2022.
Hibell admits he is no politician, but the connections he made during his time as fire chief helped his comfort level when he was approached to serve on the council. For Hibell, his time on the council has been an education in how a township the size of Middletown functions and operates at both a micro and macro level. He credits his cooperative and collaborative work with department heads and fellow elected officials.
“I was impressed by the give and take of the discussions,” he said. “Working as a team resulted in resolutions to problems, and mutual respect for each perspective led to resolutions and fiscal responsibility to the town. I am vested and committed to making Middletown a safe and productive place.”
The importance of teamwork is paramount to Hibell. The township both encompasses extensive land and cultural differences, and he must be adept at balancing the interests of the various neighborhoods and communities.
But Hibell is proud to note the diversity of what Middletown offers its residents. The strong public school system, as well as private schools, community college and various artistic and athletic offerings support the youth, while a variety of parks and recreation sites provide space and facilities for all types of residents seeking to get outside and enjoy the town.
“We pride ourselves on the number of parks that are throughout our town, [each] offering many kinds of entertainment and exercise for everyone,” he said. “We are rooted in preserving open space areas and trying to limit overcrowding.”
As a township official, Hibell also must take part in the tough decisions that come financially. A business owner himself (Hibell owns the local marine construction company EZDocks) and works to keep tax increases to a minimum.
A graduate of Marine Academy of Science and Technology, Hibell said that years ago when he was starting EZDocks, Middletown was an easy choice to open up a shop. “Small businesses are encouraged,” he said. “They are vital to our township's economy.”
During discussions with other elected and appointed township officials, Hibell speaks from experience as a business owner and how the decisions the governing body makes impact the operations. The perspective helps the ideation of policies, keeping in mind the importance of business owners and stakeholders. Owning a business in town also allows Hibell to have flexibility in his personal life. He heads home and to the office when necessary, providing a balance that allows him to be there for his children’s soccer games or swim meets. While he is certainly proud of his work and service, Hibell does not see himself as a luminary of Middletown.
“I’m just a regular guy that grew up here,” he said.
