From left, Marietta Firefighter Matt Hively receives recognition from Fire Chief C.W. Durham during Thursday evening’s Marietta City Council meeting. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Marietta City Council on Thursday honored police officers, firefighters and emergency partners for their response to a fatal house fire in November, while also advancing multiple year-end financial ordinances and recognizing outgoing council members during a meeting at the Armory.

Mayor Josh Schlicher presented commendations to personnel from the Marietta Fire Department, Marietta Police Department and assisting agencies for their response to a Nov. 12 fire at 613 Tupper St. Councilman Jon Grimm and Safety Service Director Steve Wetz assisted in the presentation of the awards.

“On behalf of all of our police and fire personnel in the city and everyone that responded that day, I’d like to present a mayoral commendation,” Schlicher said. “I was personally on scene and immediately noticed the outstanding collaboration between our fire department, police department and all supporting agencies.”

Schlicher said responders acted “with little regard for your own health and safety,” adding that their actions “saved lives and brought victims to safety under extremely dangerous circumstances.”

An adult and three children were taken out of the structure. One of the children, a 2-year-old, later died as a result of the fire.

First responders receive a standing ovation for their actions during a fatal house fire in November at Thursday evening’s Marietta City Council meeting. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Fire Chief C.W. Durham followed with departmental commendations recognizing firefighters for meritorious service and acts of valor during the incident.

“Your quick response, decisive actions and high-quality patient care are outstanding examples of professionalism,” Durham said. “Your efforts to rescue trapped occupants while fire suppression was still underway showed tremendous courage and selflessness.”

The department awarded merit commendations to Capt. Mike Dietsch and firefighters Matt Hively, Shawn Johnson, Austyn McVicar, Jared Ross and Marc Warden. Medals of Valor, the department’s highest award, were presented to Lt. Matt Alloway and firefighters Scott Casto, Daniel Hammer and Raleigh Krigbaum.

Wetz also recognized Assistant Fire Chief Forrest Snyder and Durham for their leadership during the incident, citing their “command presence, decisiveness and calm authority” during a rapidly evolving emergency.

Police Chief Katie Warden presented excellence and lifesaving awards to officers and dispatchers who assisted during the response.

Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher reads a letter of mayoral commendation recognizing members of Marietta police and fire departments as well as the Reno, Devola and Williamstown Volunteer Fire Departments for their actions following a structure fire on Tupper Street on Nov. 12. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“Public safety is a shared responsibility … not defined by job titles, but a willingness to put others first and step up when it matters most,” Warden said.

Excellence awards were presented to Capt. Aaron Nedeff, Capt. Ryan Huffman, Patrolman Braden Wenzel, Patrolman Travis Huck and Dispatcher Andrea Gibeaut. Life Saving Awards were presented to Sgt. Errol Kramer, Officer Glen McClelland, Detective Bobby Ritchie and Detective Dustin Young.

Barbara Felton, representing Memorial Health System, also addressed the council, thanking first responders and hospital staff for coordinated care following the incident.

“Everyone worked quickly and efficiently, from scene care to officers transporting patients in their squad cars,” she said. “This rural community benefited from the exceptional care you provided.”

Following the recognitions, council approved Ordinance 265 on third reading, appropriating $10,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to serve as a local match for a potential $140,000 state grant.

Finance Chairman Michael Scales said the appropriation was necessary to demonstrate local commitment.

“We have to show we have skin in the game so the state will consider the money,” Scales said. “We do have the cash in the Capital Improvement Fund to do this.”

Council also introduced several year-end ordinances on first reading, transferring and appropriating funds across city departments, including water, wastewater, fire, street and community development funds.

The meeting also included recognition of outgoing council members Bret Allphin, Erin O’Neill and Scales.

“It’s very sad to say farewell to some of our best councilors,” said Council President Susan Vessels.

Council members announced a special meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, at the Armory to address remaining ordinances before the end of the year.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com