One year ago today police say Rockne Newell of Saylorsburg opened fire at a Ross Township's supervisors' meeting, killing three and injuring three others in his ongoing dispute with the township over his condemned, debris-strewn property located on Flyte Road.

David Fleetwood, 62; Gerald J. Kozic, 53; and James V. LaGuardia, 64, all died that night.Kozic's wife, Linda, was shot in the leg and faces a long recovery.Frank Piranio Jr. suffered a grazed wound to the head and Howard Beers, Ross Township supervisor chairman, suffered a hand wound.Bernie Kozen, executive director of the West End Park and Open Space Commission, was tending to his friend Fleetwood when Newell re-entered the building with another weapon.Fleetwood was the Chestnuthill Township supervisor vice chairman and Ross Township zoning officer.Through the heroic efforts of Kozen and Mark Kresh, a Ross Township resident, they subdued Newell. Kozen shot Newell in the leg twice with Newell's gun.Newell is being charged with three counts of homicide, six counts of attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault and one count of reckless endangerment. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him.Tonight Chestnuthill officials will remember Fleetwood.Fleetwood has been called the epitome of a dedicated public servant, with a long history of public service to the West End of Monroe County.He was heavily involved in Little League baseball; Chestnuthill Historical Society, including the 250th Anniversary Committee; the West End Park and Open Space Commission; and his nearly six years of service as a Chestnuthill Township supervisor."We will be having a moment of silence in honor of Dave tonight at the supervisors' meeting," says David Albright, Chestnuthill Township's manager."The senseless tragedy seemed surreal when it happened a year ago today, like it was not possible. I think of Dave every week at work."A picture of Fleetwood is on display in the conference room."I am sometimes saddened when I look at it and wish he were still with us, but mostly his smile encourages me when I think about his wonderful qualities and great sense of humor," Albright said.Memorial for FleetwoodHe adds that the township has almost completed a walking trail at the Chestnuthill Township Park just off Route 715 at 578 Evergreen Hollow Road, Brodheadsville, which will be named the Dave Fleetwood Memorial Trail in his memory and honor.The West End Park and Open Space Commission will hold the annual Dave Fleetwood Memorial Trail Run/Walk at the Chestnuthill Township Park at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.It is a 3.1 mile race/walk open to all ages and abilities.The new Dave Fleetwood Memorial Trail provides a firm and stable surface that is accessible to all wheeled devices.All proceeds will fund the Dave Fleetwood Memorial Scholarship to recognize a Pleasant Valley High School graduate who exemplifies the outstanding attributes of Fleetwood.Later in the day on Sept. 21, at the Chestnuthill Township Park, located on Route 715, Brodheadsville, there will be a Community Appreciation Day to recognize all the volunteers who give of their time back to the community as Fleetwood did so tirelessly for years.Free concerts are planned, featuring the music of the Steel Creek Band along with exhibitions, demonstrations and other entertainment.Registration forms are now available at the Chestnuthill Township Park, the Chestnuthill Township municipal building, both on Route 715, Brodheadsville or contact Kozen at 570-992-9733 or by email at

bkozen@weposc.org.People interested in helping should also contact Kozen.