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Longtime Kirkwood city attorney John M. Hessel honored at final council meeting after 48 years of service
Summary
Longtime City Attorney John M. Hessel attended his final Kirkwood City Council meeting on March 20, where council members and residents paid tribute to his nearly 48 years of public service.
John M. Hessel, Kirkwood’s longtime city attorney, attended his final City of Kirkwood council meeting on March 20, 2025 and was honored by council members, city staff and residents for nearly five decades of service.
Deputy Mayor Mark Zimmer and multiple council members recounted Hessel’s career, which began after his graduation from Saint Louis University School of Law when he became an assistant city attorney in 1977. Hessel has served as Kirkwood city attorney since 1986 and has worked with several mayors and councils over the years. Speakers praised his legal counsel, institutional knowledge and service to the city; the deputy mayor noted Hessel’s role during the February 7, 2008 attack in the council chambers and quoted survivors who credited him with actions that helped save lives.
Survivor and former city clerk Betty Montagno urged the council to rename the memorial walkway to the “John M. Hessel Memorial Walkway” in recognition of Hessel’s actions and service. Hessel acknowledged the request but said he believed recognition for the police officers and the department involved in the 2008 incident would be appropriate. In remarks to the council Hessel said, “This really is my last meeting,” and thanked council members, city staff and past colleagues for their support over many years.
The council presented tributes and brief speeches. Council member Jack Sedick delivered a personal tribute that compared Hessel’s long career to a public figure’s sustained local prominence; other council members praised Hessel’s steady counsel and expressed appreciation for his mentorship to staff. Hessel thanked the city staff, singled out the city clerks and his close working relationship with the chief administrative officer, and noted the importance of the entire Police Department’s actions in 2008. He said he looked forward to retirement and time with family while offering to help the city informally if asked.
No formal action to rename city property was taken on March 20; requests for memorialization will follow whatever process the council and city staff determine appropriate. The city clerk reminded the council of upcoming public hearings and that additional administrative follow-up will be scheduled as needed.
