By Elizabeth Meyer
The Burlington City Council on Monday (Aug. 2) enjoyed a brief meeting that included commendation awards for four officers and approval of contracts for two local projects.
The meeting began by awarding Burlington Police Officer Porfirio Gallegos the Medal of Valor for providing “exemplary” services on July 4 to a young man who grievously injured his hands and arms in a fireworks accident.
Gallegos also earned the Distinguished Service Award for acting as a translator on his day off during an incident that likely would have resulted in the sexual assault of a minor had the police not intervened.
Parking enforcement officer Vicki Parrott received the Certificate of Meritorious Service for assisting an elderly woman who needed medical attention and offering to drive her home from the hospital.
Police officers Melissa Smith and Adam Sewell each received a Distinguished Service Award for purchasing and installing an air conditioning unit for an elderly veteran suffering during the height of a heatwave this summer.
Monday night’s awards were well-timed, given Burlington’s National Night Out taking place Tuesday for the first time in 10 years. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, the event is meant to bring the police department and community members together for a night of activities, including games, giveaways, food, and an emergency vehicle parade.
The free event will be held along the riverfront from 6-9 p.m. and is open to the public.
Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney commended the officers recognized at the meeting and applauded the hard work of those planning the National Night Out.
“It’s taken the committee two months to put this thing together and get all the donations to pull off this event,” said Denney. “They’ve been working tirelessly on this to get it together and have a good event for the community.”
Also at Monday’s meeting, council members approved a $190,910 bid from Myers Construction of Mediapolis to renovate a restroom at Dankwardt Park located near the playground and skate park. The work is slated to begin this month and conclude in the fall.