Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events And Recognition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council recognizes military-support award to Sahuarita Police, Art State rebrand and photography winners; Parks & Rec wins APRA award; issues three proclamatory
Summary
Council recognized the Sahuarita Police Department with the ESGR Pro Patria award, accepted presentations from Art State Arizona on its rebrand and photography contest winners, accepted an APRA award for Parks & Recreation, and issued proclamations for fall prevention, fire prevention and cybersecurity awareness.
The Sahuarita Town Council meeting on Sept. 8 included multiple presentations and proclamations recognizing community organizations and achievements.
Military support award: Representatives from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented the Pro Patria award to the Sahuarita Police Department for sustained support of Staff Sergeant Chris Perez during deployment and reintegration. Brigadier General Zoe Olinger, representing the Arizona National Guard adjutant general’s office, said the department “actively enabled his service” and praised the department’s outreach to Perez and his family. Staff Sergeant Chris Perez and Police Chief Nolan joined the award presentation; staff described the department’s use of military leave policy, reintegration programs and family outreach as key elements of the nomination.
Arts and photography: Matt Roland of the newly branded Art State Arizona (formerly the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance) presented the winners of the Sahuarita Photography contest and described public‑art and placemaking projects over the past year. The contest drew more than 300 submissions from over 50 photographers; judges included professional photographers, teachers and community leaders. Winners were announced across several categories including Nature’s Inspiration, Heart of Service, Joyful Moments, Shadows/Light/Night, On the Go and a Youth Showcase; the winning photos will be displayed in Town Hall and used in town materials.
Parks & Recreation award: The town’s Parks & Recreation events team received an Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) award for outstanding special event (WinterFest 2024). Staff credited partnerships across departments and with outside agencies for the winter festival’s success; the WinterFest event drew thousands of attendees and combined attractions such as a drone show, ice rink and youth entrepreneur market.
Proclamations: Mayor Tom Murphy issued three proclamations on behalf of the council: (1) September as Falls Prevention Awareness Month (Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition), (2) Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5–11, 2025) with a focus on lithium‑ion battery safety, and (3) Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October). Fire and police staff noted outreach resources for smoke detectors, battery recycling and safe charging practices; town information will be posted on the municipal website.
No council action was requested on the presentations; the items were presented for recognition and community information.
