The Clayton City Council on an evening meeting recognized several long-serving local employees and presented awards to detectives and an officer for recent work and sacrifices.

Council members and staff honored Steve White for decades of local service and presented Detective Brad Campbell and Detective Casey Bollinger with certificates of merit for their work on a high-profile investigation into allegations involving a former Northmont High School bus driver, Matthew Hunt. According to the council’s remarks, the detectives executed nearly 20 search warrants and completed roughly 30 interviews; the presenter said the investigation produced an indictment by the Montgomery County grand jury on 82 counts and that Hunt was arrested and is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

"Their outstanding work on this investigation reflects positively on the Police Department," the presenter said, adding the detectives' work resulted in "a violent [alleged] predator being removed from the community." (Presenter: Unidentified city official.)

The council also recognized Officer Cody Cecil, who was shot while confronting a barricaded subject on Oct. 26, 2023. A presenter summarized that multiple rounds struck Cecil but a ballistic plate prevented more severe injury; Cecil later required surgeries and rehabilitation and is unable to return to duty. The council presented a plaque and a retirement pistol.

Chief Matthew Hamlin received retirement honors from the Clayton Police Association and the council. In remarks to the chamber, Hamlin thanked his wife, family and colleagues, and reflected on decades of service, training and mentorship within local public safety.

No formal council votes were required for the recognitions. The presentations were followed by public thanks and brief comments from council members and city staff, who cited community events such as "Breakfast with Santa" and praised the departments for public-safety efforts.

The council left the public-safety recognitions in place and moved on to regular business.