The Allegheny County Council convened on October 22, 2024, to honor local heroes and recognize significant contributions to public safety. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection, followed by roll call, confirming the presence of 14 council members.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a proclamation honoring Deputy Jeffrey Belbach and his K9 partner, Ranger, for their exceptional service in the sheriff's department. Deputy Belbach, who has served for over a decade, was recognized for his and Ranger's role in locating a 65-year-old woman with dementia who had wandered away from a care facility. Utilizing Ranger's tracking skills, they successfully located her after a nearly three-mile search. The council praised their dedication and the unique capabilities of bloodhounds in law enforcement.

Additionally, the council presented a proclamation commending Mark McCalla and State Senator Devlin Robinson for their life-saving actions on June 13, 2024. The two men intervened when a FedEx driver, Adonis Whitner, collapsed from cardiac arrest while delivering a package. McCalla, who was working from home, and Robinson, who fortuitously stopped by, performed CPR and maintained Whitner's pulse until emergency services arrived. The council expressed gratitude for their quick thinking and heroic efforts, which ultimately saved Whitner's life.

Both proclamations underscored the importance of community and the impact of individual actions in emergency situations, highlighting the commitment of local officials and residents to public safety and welfare.