Council honors USS Cincinnati crew, commemorates firefighter Darryl Gordon and recognizes community leaders and staff

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati City Council used its March 26 session to honor military, public-safety and community service: members of the USS Cincinnati were recognized during a namesake visit to downtown Cincinnati; the council adopted a resolution commemorating the tenth anniversary of Cincinnati firefighter Darryl Gordon’s death; and the chamber and council recognized local advocates and career city staff.

Vice Mayor Kearney introduced members of the USS Cincinnati and presented a resolution expressing the appreciation of Mayor Aftab Pureval and the council for the ship’s crew during their 2025 namesake visit. The resolution notes the USS Cincinnati is an Independence-class littoral combat ship commissioned in October 2019 and lists individual crew members recognized by the council: Lieutenant Megan Mater; Chief Petty Officer Mike Gentry; Mineman Second Class Zachary Obert; Petty Officer First Class Dylan Scott; and Damage Control Fireman Giovanni del Rosario.

Jim Brokaw, president of the USS Cincinnati Foundation, thanked the city for hosting the sailors and noted the foundation provides scholarships and support for crew families. Lieutenant Megan Mater told council the visit had been “a jam packed week of events” and said the crew appreciated the warm welcome, adding, “the recognition should go to the city.” Council members from across the dais offered brief remarks thanking the sailors for their service. The council adopted the USS Cincinnati resolution on a roll call with yes votes recorded from Council member Owens; Council member Walsh; Council member Albee; Council member Jeffries; Council member Johnson; and Vice Mayor Kearney.

The council also adopted a resolution recognizing the tenth anniversary of the death of firefighter Darryl Gordon, who died in the line of duty while searching for victims at a house fire. Council member Scottie Johnson introduced the item and family members, firefighters and colleagues spoke about Gordon’s career, service and the ongoing impact of his memory on the department. The mayor and multiple council members offered remarks; the council approved the posthumous resolution by rising vote.

Later in the meeting Council member Albee presented a resolution designating Susan Stohrer as a Women’s History Month honoree for her work on early childhood education and longtime civic service, citing roles with United Way, 4C for Children, and other local organizations. Susan Stohrer accepted the recognition and said she remains committed to early childhood work.

Bridal Culp of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber presented an award the chamber gave to City Manager Cheryl Long; the mayor and councilmembers publicly thanked Long for her leadership. Council members also recognized Finance Director Karen Alder, who announced her retirement after 33 years with the city; Alder spoke briefly and council members expressed gratitude for her service and stewardship of the city’s finances.

Votes and resolutions

- USS Cincinnati recognition: resolution adopted (roll call recorded yes votes from Owens, Walsh, Albee, Jeffries, Johnson, Kearney).

- Darryl Gordon tenth-anniversary resolution: adopted by rising vote (vote taken by rising vote; clerk recorded passage).

- Susan Stohrer Women’s History Month resolution: adopted on roll call (yes votes recorded from Owens, Walsh, Albee, Jeffries, Johnson, Kearney).

Meeting context and next steps

These items are ceremonial or commemorative; they do not create binding policy but reflect council’s public recognitions and community outreach. Council members announced upcoming public events related to opening day and local community programming. Family members and honorees were invited to remain for photo opportunities on the council steps following the meeting.