New Carlisle honors employee, firefighter and youth at special council meeting; council excuses absent members

The City of New Carlisle on Jan. 13 held a special City Council meeting to present three awards — Employee of the Year, Firefighter of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year — and to address two brief procedural motions, including excusing absent members and adjourning.

Mayor Cook presented the awards and called Angela Gump forward as Employee of the Year. An official who nominated her praised her ‘‘amazing work ethic, your smile and charm’’ and her role as ‘‘the liaison between members of the community and multiple city departments.’’ A colleague who worked with Gump for more than eight years said she was ‘‘very dedicated’’ and ‘‘truly, truly feels for the people.’’

The council also recognized Firefighter of the Year Kevin Stevens. The chief said Stevens was ‘‘nominated for firefighter of the year by fellow firefighters, and it was a unanimous vote,’’ noted he joined the division seven to eight years ago, was sponsored for level‑1 and EMT training, and was promoted this year to lieutenant with added responsibilities for training, maintenance and equipment. The chief credited Stevens with mentoring new recruits and described his patient manner during emergency calls.

Mayor Cook presented the Junior Citizen of the Year award to Dalian Deovis for regular civic engagement and community participation. Councilman Lindsay recounted meeting the 12‑year‑old and praised his persistent curiosity and involvement in local events. Meeting remarks noted Deovis participates in activities including church, Boy Scouts and programs at the Quest Youth Development Center; the nomination was submitted by community member Janelle Zimmerman.

After the recognitions, Mayor Cook moved to excuse councilmembers Shammy, Bond and Wright from the meeting; an unnamed councilmember seconded the motion. The council then voted on the motion. Mayor Cook, Councilwoman Grove, Councilman Lindsay and Vice Mayor Eggleston each recorded ‘‘yes’’ votes, and the motion to excuse the absences was approved.

A member of the public and former city manager offered congratulations to the award recipients, commended Angela Gump as ‘‘the face of New Carlisle,’’ expressed well wishes for Kevin Stevens’s recovery and announced refreshments for attendees after the meeting.

Councilman Lindsay moved to adjourn the special meeting; the motion was seconded and carried on recorded yes votes. Mayor Cook closed the meeting.

The City of New Carlisle did not take action on ordinances, budgets, contracts or other policy items during this short, awards‑focused session; the agenda consisted of presentations, brief procedural motions and a public congratulatory comment. The council invited attendees to remain for photos and refreshments.