At right: A photograph of Charles "Chuck" Litzner, with the buck he got in 2004. Mr. Litzner, who passed away December 24, 2008, was named Brevort Township's Citizen of the Year for 2008 by Township Supervisor Ed Serwach Tuesday, March 3. (Photograph courtesy of Sue Stelzer) Charles Litzner was named Brevort Township's Citizen of the Year posthumously at a township board meeting Tuesday, March 3, in recognition of his unfailing service to his community, the volunteer fire department, and township government. Mr. Litzner died at the age of 53 December 24, 2008.

"This person attends every single meeting with us, even now, in spirit," said Supervisor Ed Serwach at the meeting.

Mr. Serwach started Brevort Township's Citizen of the Year award in 2000, naming Ernie Sorrels as the first recipient.

Mr. Litzner is the first to receive the honor posthumously.

"He died unexpectedly. He wasn't supposed to go then," said Mark Peterson, township fire chief, about his fellow firefighter.

Mr. Litzner worked as a logger and served the fire department for more than 25 years, as well as serving on the township's planning commission, zoning board, and on the building committee for the new firehall and community center.

He was also involved in social events coordinated by the fire department, including Halloween and Christmas events for community children.

"He loved the kids," said Mr. Peterson. "He was really a big kid at heart. He really got into putting on those events for the kids."

Sue Stelzer, township clerk, remembers Mr. Litzner's passion to see a job through.

"I remember he'd be here every day to help anyway he could to help build our township playground," said Mrs. Stelzer. "Even in the winter, he'd ask what we'll be doing next year. He really was an unsung hero, our best cheerleader."

"Chuck was our unofficial mayor of Moran," Mr. Peterson added.

It was his dedication, perpetual concern for the progress of the building of the new firehall, and his willingness to help in any way he could that impressed Mr. Serwach the most about Mr. Litzner, and the reason he said Mr. Litzner deserved the award for 2008.

"During the 2008 year, there was never a day that he didn't call and ask me about the firehall," said Mr. Serwach. "It didn't matter how little or how dirty the job was, he'd do it with no questions asked. That's just the kind of man he was. A big man with a big heart."

Mr. Litzner's Citizen of the Year plaque will be placed in the new firehall, once it is constructed.

Past Recipients of Brevort Township Citizen of the Year

2000 - Ernie Sorrels
2001 - Tom Apfel, Boyd
Bigger, Joan Rutledge
2002 - Wade Huskey
2003 - Bill Kemeney
2004 - Kirk and Julie Lipnitz
2005 - Don Luggering
2006 - Rosemary Irwin
2007 - Jimmie Miller