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Lucas County honors child-protection worker Jeffrey Chester and veteran-activist Philip Tottenham
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners presented proclamations and challenge coins to Jeffrey Chester, named PCSAO's Child Protection Support Advocate of the Year, and to Marine Corps veteran Philip Tottenham for his humanitarian activism. Both honorees briefly addressed the commissioners and attendees.
The Lucas County Board of Commissioners opened the session with two ceremonial recognitions.
The board honored Jeffrey Chester after the Public Children's Services Association of Ohio named him the 2025 Child Protection Support Advocate of the Year. Commissioners praised Chester's long hours, willingness to take personal risk for youths in his care and constancy for vulnerable teenagers. "Jeff represents the very best and what we expect from all employees at Lucas County Children's Services," one commissioner said during the presentation. Chester accepted the recognition with family members present and declined a long speech, saying he prefers to work "under the radar."
Later the board honored U.S. Marine Corps veteran Philip Tottenham for humanitarian work with Veterans for Peace. Tottenham described his participation in a flotilla trying to deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza and urged local residents to press elected officials to secure the release and return of a detained American teenager; he also framed his activism as service rooted in his military experience. "We had baby formula. We had rice and lentils and gauze and medical aid on board. And that's all we had on board," Tottenham said.
Both proclamations were approved by roll-call vote. The honors concluded with photo opportunities and presentation of challenge coins to each honoree.
