Nine eventful years — four as mayor — have left Fred Profeta grateful for the opportunity, full of admiration for his peers and still bursting with opinions and energy for the next phase of his life.

At his last regular Maplewood Township Committee on Dec. 20, Profeta enjoyed testimonials from Township staff and the three other members of the Township Committee present (Committeeman Marlon K. Brownlee was absent due to illness), including a very candid tribute from Mayor Vic DeLuca.

DeLuca noted that he and Profeta had had their disagreements but said it was far from the "Rock 'em, Sock 'em Robots" often depicted in the News-Record. DeLuca told Profeta that "certainly no-one in my Maplewood lifetime has done more for Maplewood."

For his part, Profeta had good words for all his colleagues on the Committee. He said that he had watched Brownlee grow in his role in the last year and cited his wisdom. Profeta noted Vice Mayor Kathy Leventhal's remarkable civility in all circumstances and Committeeman Jerry Ryan's "incredible intelligence."

But Profeta left his longest, most thoughtful tribute for Mayor DeLuca, saying that DeLuca had a special brand of leadership that was "exceptional." In particular, said Profeta, DeLuca knew how to manage a debate better than anyone.

A particularly moving tribute to Profeta came from Township Clerk Liz Fritzen who thanked Profeta and his wife for their support during her battle with a brain aneurysm last year.

Watch the videos for more on DeLuca's and Profeta's testimonials.