Bench dedication marks touching moment during Franklin Park's National Night Out

Franklin Park marked National Night Out on Aug. 5 with a special ceremony honoring the borough’s first police chief.

A bench near the entrance of the Franklin Park Police Department was dedicated to the late Joseph Hotnich, an officer who served as chief in the 1960s when Franklin Park transitioned into a borough.

“The evening was very well attended and filled with community spirit, meaningful remembrance and heartfelt moments,” police Chief Aron Leach said.

Though Hotnich served as chief for only a short time, from the time of his appointment in 1963 until his passing in 1966, his impact was lasting. According to Mayor Dennis O’Keefe, Hotnich started his law enforcement career in the 1950s, when the area was still known as Franklin Township.

Hotnich laid the foundation for today’s Franklin Park Police Department, O’Keefe said.

The Aug. 5 tribute to Hotnich was especially moving, Leach said.

O’Keefe delivered a touching speech before a large group of attendees, including members of Hotnich’s family.

“This bench, which we dedicate in his honor, is more than a place to sit,” O’Keefe told the crowd. “It’s a reminder of where we came from — a tribute to service, to sacrifice and to the quiet power of leadership that doesn’t seek recognition, but surely deserves it.

“To Chief Hotnich’s family, friends and all who knew him — please know his memory lives on not just in this bench, but in the spirit of every officer who wears the badge in Franklin Park.”

Theresa Scotti, Hotnich’s daughter and a longtime Franklin Park resident, shared how much it meant to her to dedicate the bench and see her father remembered.

“To me, that is just absolutely great that he can be remembered after all these years with humor and respect,” Scotti said.