EATON — During a Monday, March 21, meeting of Eaton City Council, members honored two employees and approved zoning which will allow L&M Products to move operations to the former Eaton Church of the Brethren facility on North Barron Street.
Police Officer Dale Haney was recognized as Eaton’s Employee of the Year. Mayor Dave Kirsch read the resolution honoring Haney. Each year, city officials pay tribute to employees “who have performed their duties in such a manner as to bring credit to the City of Eaton, City Council, and to themselves” the previous year.
According to a nomination letter from Eaton Police Chief Chad DePew, Haney was also selected as the EPD Employee of the Year.
“I am nominating Dale for the City of Eaton Employee of the Year award because of the excellent work he has done not only in 2015, but throughout his career with the City of Eaton,” DePew wrote. “Dale began his career with the city in 1970 as a dispatcher and became a patrol officer in 1972. Dale’s strength is consistency. Throughout his 45-plus years of service with the city, Dale has been one of the most active officers on the police department. When not handling a call for service or performing a follow-up, Dale stays visible in the community by doing regular foot patrols and business checks.
“Not only has Dale’s work ethic remained consistent over the years his desire to serve the community has as well,” DePew continued. “Dale is well-known and well-respected throughout the community and that reflects the genuine desire he has shown to serve the citizens of Eaton.
“Dale’s ability to remain consistent and work hard over his entire career serves as a great example for other officers of the division. The city would be fortunate to have all our police officers put in the same amount of effort and heart into their duties for as long amount of time as Dale has,” DePew added.
Also honored was Officer David Sizemore, for his actions on Jan. 8, when Preble County Sheriff’s Captain (and Eaton City Council member) Brad Moore was struck by a semi trailer while investigating a crash.
Moore was investigating one crash on U.S. 35 at Lexington Road, when another occurred involving a train and a semi trailer. The semitrailer struck Moore, seriously injuring him.
According to a letter of commendation from DePew, “a call for help went over the police radio that Captain Moore had just been struck by a vehicle. Officer Sizemore along with other emergency personnel immediately responded to this location to render aide. When Officer Sizemore arrived, Captain Moore was receiving medical attention and the scene was under the control of Sheriff Simpson. At the request of Sheriff Simpson, Officer Sizemore responded to Captain Moore’s home in order to notify his wife, Mrs. Lindy Moore, of the incident.
The commendation continued: “When Officer Sizemore arrived at the residence Mrs. Moore had just pulled into the driveway. Officer Sizemore informed her of the crash and that Captain Moore had been injured. Mrs. Moore had her children with her and had just returned from the grocery store and the vehicle was loaded with groceries. Officer Sizemore carried the groceries into the home and assisted in watching the children. Officer Sizemore stayed with Mrs. Moore until he was able to get updated information to her in regards to Captain Moore’s condition and the hospital he was being transported to.
“Officer Sizemore responded to aid another law enforcement officer in need, with a sense of urgency and kindness, which the public and his fellow officers have come to expect. Officer Sizemore went above and beyond his police duties and exhibiting the agency’s guiding principles of teamwork, commitment to excellence, and professionalism, by assisting Mrs. Moore.
“Officer Sizemore was more than a police officer on this day, he was a friend,” DePew wrote. “We should all be so blessed, to have an Officer David Sizemore, at our time of need.”
Moore noted, his wife said “it worked out for the best” with Sizemore there with the family. He kept her calm, kept the kids calm. “She was very blessed to have you there,” Moore said.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for my wife and kids,” Moore said.
Council also approved a zoning amendment for out lot 82 in the city, from R-1A Estate Residential District to C-2 Community Commercial District.
Out lot 82 is the former Eaton Church of the Brethren, located at 1407 N. Barron Street. ECOB has a contract with L&M Products, Inc. to purchase the property. The new zoning will allow L&M Products to move its operations into the facility.
In other business:
•City Manager Brad Collins reported there were three staff retirements coming up.
DePew reported EPD’s K9 Officer Koda is retiring this month. According to DePew, Koda has been in service for six years, and it is time for him to retire. “It’s bittersweet,” DePew said. Koda’s replacement came on board in November 2015.
Koda helped in some recent arrests. “Koda’s still got what it takes, but he’s almost 8 years old,” DePew said.
Other retirees include Public Maintenance’s Rob Ullery and Ernie Boyle.
•Collins reported the Eaton Community Pool project is moving forward on schedule, and a ribbon cutting will be planned for the end of May.
Eaton City Council’s next meeting will be held Monday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Eaton City Building.
