Health issues force Rapp to resign as supervisor
He has a long legacy of service in the township after first being elected in 1985.
After more than three decades as a supervisor in Carroll Township, Tom Rapp has decided to step down from the position. In an emotional me e t i n g Tues d ay, supervisors agreed to accept his resignation effective today.
Rapp is the current vice chairman and had led the board of directors as chairman for many years.
First elected to public office in 1985, Rapp said the decision to leave before his term expires next year was not easy to make.
Rapp said he suffered a medical incident, collapsing at work July 27, and doctors still aren’t sure why.
Rapp said he didn’t know what was happening until he woke up in an ambulance on his way to the hospital, where he was admitted for two days before being sent home.
“I am still fighting dizziness and have a hard time walking in a regular way,” Rapp said. “My words get jumbled, and even though I am improving one day at a time, it was time for me to step aside.”
Rapp said he is confident that Gary Lenzi and Chairman Kenneth Hillman will continue to do a good job and find the right person to fill the remainder of his term.
“We have good people, great people,” Rapp said. “We’ve had a lot of good times. As a township, we are really lucky. I feel lucky to have been able to do this for so long.”
Something he is most proud of, and will always be grateful for, is the township’s dedicated police force.
“At a time when everyone was getting rid of their police or regionalizing, we never let up and did what we had to do to make sure our police stayed around,” Rapp said. “It wasn’t always easy, but it was important to us.”
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“It’s been a privilege to work with him, and we are sad to see him go, but understand at some point you have to put your health and your family first.”
KENNETH HILLMAN
CHAIRMAN Rapp is proud of the work supervisors have put in to make the township such a wonderful place.
“I think we all work really well together, because we all want the same thing, to do the what is best for the township,” he said.
Hillman described Rapp as a mentor to him for “his entire life.”
“Not just as a supervisor, but as a child, a young man,” Hillman said. “I remember Tom greeting me when I got off of the bus for my first day of kindergarten at MEC. He greeted every student, every day.”
It’s hard to say goodbye, he added. “It’s been a privilege to work with him, and we are sad to see him go, but understand at some point you have to put your health and your family first,” Hillman said. “Tom is a humble guy, but he was a great leader. He always listened to all sides before making a decision, and specifically his demeanor was something to look up to.
“I can honestly say I have never seen him get upset. He has this calmness about him, which is very rate today.”
Police Chief Paul Brand spent his entire career working alongside Rapp.
“I have been here for 37 1/2 years, and Tom has been here for 36, so my entire career has been with him as a supervisor,” Brand said. “When we found out he would be leaving, I think everyone got a bit emotional.
“It was hard because he as been a role model in a lot of ways for a lot of people. He taught me how to maintain composure, and to always treat people with respect.”
Brand said he leaves big shoes to fill. “We are very lucky to have had him for so long, and while we are sad to see him go, he is certainly deserving,” Brand said.
Rapp said he is ready to spend time with his family, focus on his health and make memories with all 11 of his grandchildren.
“They are a blessing,” Rapp said.
Supervisors will soon collect letters of interest from candidates who want to fill the vacancy, and a replacement must be found within 30 days.
They will make a decision on who will fill the remainder of Rapp’s term at an October meeting.
