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Seven public service providers in Washington County honored

By Tyler Bennett 3 min read

BEVERLY -- Holding their first event in 16 months, the Muskingum Valley Beverly-Waterford Chamber of Commerce honored the 2021 Public Service Award Recipients inside the Beverly-Waterford Rescue Squad/Township Building on Wednesday afternoon.

It is the 38th year for the event honoring the public service employees hosted by the chamber.

Seven public service providers in Washington County were recognized for their achievements and hard work for the community. The awards were given out by the Sons of American Revolution member Robert Hadfield and each honoree received a medal and certificate to recognize their work.

The recipients were: Patrolman Robert Ritchie (Marietta City Police Department); Firefighter Logan Mahaney (Marietta City Fire Department); Lt. Spencer McPeek (Washington County Sheriff's Office); EMT Emily Seaman, RN (Washington County EMS); Dispatcher Amanda Townsend (City of Belpre); Police Chief Terry Williams (City of Belpre); and Firefighter Russell Ewing (Washington County Volunteer Firefighter Association).

"This award throughout the years has been something that has got a lot of traction with the public. Because a lot of these people put their lives on the line every day. They sacrifice their personal time, their family time to take care of the rest of us," MVBWCC Chairman Rick Walters said.

"It's great and we've had multiple winners throughout the years, we've had a lot of good people and I know just sitting here, I can look around the room and pick out at least 11 previous winners of these awards. So it's something that's very near and dear to our association and I believe to the citizens of Washington County. So, thank you all for what you do."

Before the presentation of awards, Walters took time to remember former Washington County Commissioner and county businessman Glen Miller, who passed away on April 26.

Walters spoke highly of Miller, who was one of the five charter members of the Muskingum Valley Area Chamber in November 1994. Walters also said that without the efforts of Miller working with other businesses in the county, the MVBWCC wouldn't be where it is today.

"We lost Glen Miller within the last two weeks. This chamber probably would not exist as it does today without the efforts of Glen Miller," Walter said. "In 2001, the Muskingum Valley Chamber was upside down and Glen Miller took the bull by the horns. He went out and met with the members, he went to the AEP Muskingum River Plant. The gas plant that was completed up here in Waterford and told them the dire straits and asked for help. When he went out to talk to these businesses, he asked for money to help get the chamber afloat and he was very successful at that."

You can contact Tyler Bennett at tbennett@newsandsentinel.com

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