The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
The township’s first African-American police officer will be honored Aug. 26 during the Week of the People celebration.
It’s actually a re-do of the honor given to Naaman Williams 35 years ago, when the Matilda Avenue park that bears his name was first dedicated.
Williams was a founding member of the township police force – its second hire – and served as a township police officer from 1949 to 1974, retiring as a Lieutenant.
Williams died in May 1982 at the age of 70. The park, which was formerly called Hamilton Park, was renamed in his honor several months later.
The Aug. 26 Week of the People will be kicked off with a re-dedication of the park in Williams’ name at 2 p.m.. Williams’ family members are expected to attend, and the township police’s first patrol car will also be on-site.
The Week of the People celebration will follow at 3 p.m., highlighted by the distribution of school supplies to township children.
There will also be food and retail vendors, pony rides, games and entertainment for children and music.
The event is sponsored by the Somerset Community Action Program, Franklin Youth Initiative, Hamilton Street Business District and Frank’s Building Supply.
