Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Paul Pascuzzi was presented with the Community Service Award during Thursday’s Celebration of Excellence Gala held by the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry.

“Warren County is truly a great place to live.”

Those who know or have worked with Paul Pascuzzi have probably heard that refrain because Pascuzzi has spent decades making that a self-fulfilling prophecy.

He was recognized for that service Thursday night as he was presented with the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry’s Community Service Award.

Pascuzzi was quick to deflect the focus, though, to his family and the people he’s worked with over the years, especially in his 40 years of service in Clarendon both on borough council and with the fire department as well as his recent leadership with the multi-municipal EMS commission that is providing ambulance service effectively in the southeast corner of the county.

“This award is as much theirs as it is mine,” he said.

Pascuzzi thanked all the people and organizations “that have welcomed initiatives and partnered with us to make a difference.

“It is through collaboration and shared commitment to make our community a better place that we have been able to effect positive change and improve the quality of life,” he said. “Warren County is truly a great place to live.”

Thursday was a time to look back, to reflect on decades of selfless service to the community that Pascuzzi has modeled.

But it’s not like this is the end of the road.

“I’m reminded that the work of community service is ongoing,” he said. “There is still much to be done. I’m more determined than ever to contribute to the wellbeing and growth of our community.”

He said the award is a reminder of how even small actions can have a ripple effect beyond what we can imagine.

“Today, together, let us continue to build a better Warren County where compassion, empathy and commitment to the common good prevail,” he said. “(I’m) truly blessed to be part of such a vibrant and caring community.”

Pascuzzi was nominated for the award by County Commissioner and fellow first responder Ben Kafferlin.

Kafferlin said Pascuzzi’s life embodies leadership and service.

“He’s been a valuable mentor and a friend to me,” Kafferlin said, as well as a “driving force behind several key initiatives.”

“Paul’s influence really extends beyond these roles,” he said, citing a “relentless drive to better our community…. He has invested his life in work that is worth doing.”

Kafferlin then offered a word of advice: “Be like Paul.

“Strive to make those meaningful changes in the world,” he said, “decade after decade.”