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Derby issues proclamations for Jalen Johnston and Parks & Recreation Month; firefighter honored by VFW
Summary
The council proclaimed June 25 as Jalen Johnston Day, recognized July as Parks and Recreation Month and accepted presentations honoring Firefighter Lauren Farley, who received regional, state and national VFW recognition after a 2024 incident that involved the on-scene cardiac arrest and later death of a mutual‑aid firefighter.
The Derby City Council recognized local achievements and honored public‑safety service during its June 24 meeting.
Council President Nick Engel read a proclamation declaring Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as Jalen Johnston Day in Derby to honor Johnston’s national visibility after finishing as a runner‑up on The Voice. Jalen Johnston addressed the council and thanked the city for its support: “It’s been an amazing experience, and y’all have definitely made it worth having,” he said.
The council also read a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. Vanessa Rugg, director of programs for the Derby Recreation Commission, described Parks and Recreation Month as a celebration of park and recreation professionals and local programs that promote health and community well‑being. “This year’s theme, Build Together, Play Together, reminds us of the contributions of hundreds of full time park and recreational professionals in our city,” Rugg said.
Separately, Derby Fire Chief John Turner introduced Firefighter Lauren Farley, who received recognition from the local VFW and from the Fifth District and state VFW organizations. Turner described an incident in February (reported by the department) in which Farley, serving as the medic on scene at a house fire in Hayesville, relinquished a nozzle position to provide patient care after a mutual‑aid firefighter, Ty Boff of Wichita, collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest. Turner said Farley administered cardiac drugs and regained a pulse at the scene, though the firefighter later died at the hospital.
The VFW’s regional and national representatives presented certificates and awards to Farley and praised his “alertness, personal courage, and ever efficient guardianship of life and property,” according to remarks delivered at the meeting.
No formal council action was required or taken for the proclamations and presentations during the June 24 meeting.
