DOVER — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover honored Mayor James P. Dodd for nearly three decades of public service to the Town of Dover on Friday, October 16, unveiling a commemorative bronze plaque at the Waterworks Park bridge.
A second plaque is displayed at the King Field Baseball Complex, known to many residents as Hamilton Field. A photograph of that plaque was unveiled alongside the Waterworks plaque so both tributes could be celebrated together.
The plaques recognize Dodd’s “distinguished public service” from 1997 to 2027 and describe him as having been “born and raised in the community he proudly calls home.” Dodd began his public service as an Alderman in 1997 and has since served multiple terms as Mayor.
Frank Cahill, Past Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International, welcomed guests and spoke on behalf of Kiwanis, then invited Dodd and his family forward for the unveiling. Mayor Dodd is a charter member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover.
“Mayor Dodd, these plaques are made of bronze, but what they represent cannot be measured in metal. They represent years of decisions, challenges, accomplishments, relationships, and service to the people of Dover,” said Cahill. “Long after today’s ceremony is over, these plaques will remain as a reminder that buildings, parks and bridges may shape a town, but service, commitment, and people build a community.”
“Mayor Dodd believed in bringing Kiwanis to Dover, and that belief is a big reason I’m able to lead this club today. For me personally, this tribute was about saying thank you to a man who has always put Dover first and who taught a lot of us that public service is about building something that lasts long after you’re gone,” said Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover President Sergio Rodriguez.
Cahill pointed to several accomplishments cited in the Town’s resolution honoring Dodd, including the transformation of Waterworks Bridge into a two-lane bridge, improvements to Waterworks Park, the development of the baseball complex at King Field, synthetic turf fields at Crescent Field, the restoration of youth football and wrestling, the Mayor’s Labor Assistance Program, volunteer initiatives and senior programming.
“We are not simply standing beside a bridge; we are standing beside a part of that legacy,” said Cahill.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Senator Anthony Bucco presented Dodd with a proclamation. Also attending the event was Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen.
The Town’s resolution authorized space for the commemorative plaques at both Waterworks Park Bridge and the King Field Baseball Complex, with the cost of designing, producing and installing them funded by Kiwanis through private contributions and fundraising.
A Kiwanis Club member is donating a recognition piece listing the names and logos of everyone who contributed to the plaques. It will be permanently displayed at Dover Town Hall. Following the unveiling, a private gathering was held to thank the many contributors.
“To every individual, business, friend, and supporter who contributed, no matter the amount, Kiwanis extends our deepest and sincere gratitude. You helped turn an idea into a permanent tribute that will remain part of this community for generations,” said Cahill.
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