More than 30 local public safety professionals were recognized on April 18 for their dedication and service to Central Indiana.
For the eighth consecutive year, Citizens Energy Group served as the title sponsor of the Fire, Police & Deputy Sheriff’s Community Recognition Luncheon. Citizens is proud to continue this tradition of recognizing outstanding public safety personnel that was first established by the Indianapolis Water Company in 1968. More than 40 other local businesses and organizations were table and award sponsors.
Citizens President and CEO Jeffrey Harrison welcomed guests to the event. He was joined in recognizing the 2018 honorees by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Bryan Roach, Indianapolis Fire Department Chief Ernest Malone, and Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal.
In addition to being the title sponsor of the event, Citizens sponsors the Firefighter of the Year Award. Jeff Brown, Director of Brand Development, presented the award to Lieutenant Phil Kibler, who has been on the Indianapolis Fire Department for 24 years. He was recognized for leading his crew of four firefighters as they performed life-saving measures on multiple occasions in 2018.
“It’s an honor to represent Citizens on the committee that selects the award winners and to present the Firefighter of the Year Award at the luncheon,” said Brown. “I wish everyone could meet each of the nominees and listen to their stories. We are truly blessed to be served by so many dedicated and talented safety personnel.”
Other notable winners were Officer Mark Spears, Police Officer of the Year, and Sergeant Alex Salcedo, Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year.
Thank you to Jennifer Mentink, Marketing Communications Coordinator, who organized all aspects of the luncheon, and the following employee volunteers who helped make the event a success: Jada Buchanan, Latrice Davis, Lisa Oaks, Laura O’Brien, Natalie Offitt, Anne Payne, Molly Tilka, Brenda Wade, Bryan Wertz and Terri Williams.
