Pastor Al Syvertsen Presented With Outstanding Citizenship Award

When Councilwoman Whitney Ullman and Councilman Bryan Tyrrell suggested that Pastor Al Syvertsen of be honored for being an outstanding citizen, Mayor Don Purdy and the rest of the council agreed that the decision was easy.

On Tuesday night at the Galloway Township Council meeting, Syvertsen was surprised by the honor: His wife had told him he was going to the meeting to lead a prayer.

Purdy described Syvertsen, as well as the other , as the type of people who will help anyone regardless of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from.

"They don't ask what your religion is," he said. "They don't care if you're black, white, purple or green."

Purdy added that, with the unemployment rate where it is and with the way communities are struggling, Syvertsen's service and dedication to the community, through food banks and other donations, is especially important.

Councilman Tom Bassford agreed.

"There couldn't be a more deserving person than Pastor Al," he said. "He's a godsend to this community. We've had some great people in this community...he doesn't care what faith you're from, it doesn't matter, he's just there for you."