This Day in History: 1942-03-16
At a special meeting of the Local Defense Council in the firehouse, Frank Scherer, the chairman of the Township Council read a letter from Leonard Drayfus, New Jersey Director of Civil Defense ordering each locality to select one individual as Supreme Commander of Civil Defense. Such a person, the letter stated, should be the “most capable, well known and respected person in the community and able to devote the time and energy to this vital work. He would be in complete charge of all volunteer and regular forces in the township during a defense emergency. The Council debated at some length about two might quality for so important post and eventually nominated Charles Hallenbeck for the post. Since the need was felt for someone who would be present in town during the day, a second and a third in command were nominated. Edwin Scherer was selected for the number two post and Township Council President Frank Scherer was selected for the number three position. The appointments were ratified at a special Township Council meeting the next day.
(Bristow)