A California police officer who dragged a victim out of a burning home was honored Monday with the Lifesaver Award.
Police Chief Shane Templeton presented the award to Sgt. Kevin Feltrop before the Board of Aldermen meeting.
"On April 24, 2019, officers responded to a structure fire in the 700 block of West Street," Templeton said. "Upon arrival, officers noted an unconscious and unresponsive subject laying inside the structure. Due to the heavy smoke and accelerating fire, and the size and location of the victim, officers struggled to remove him.
"Sergeant Kevin Feltrop entered the structure and personally dragged him the rest of the way out of the building," Templeton said. "Sergeant Feltrop's quick and decisive actions that night contributed to saving the life of a citizen of the city of California."
Feltrop told the board, "There was more than just myself involved in this. The fire chief and the on-duty deputy was there, as well as my partner who is our trainee right now. She worked to canvass the area and had a large part in finding out who was in this fire. Nonetheless, we got it done, and he is heading toward recovery."
In other action, Mayor Norris Gerhart approved several appointments, including: Ann Perry, city attorney; Aimee Hill, city clerk; and Joe Coffelt, city collector.
He also appointed city department supervisors: Tyler Dicus, electric supervisor; Kyle Wirts, water supervisor; Patrick Murphy, wastewater/sewer supervisor; Vic Mauer, street supervisor; Robert Pace, park supervisor; Allen Smith, building inspector/fire chief; and Leslie Scheidt, parks and recreation supervisor.
In other business, the board:
Approved a request from Annunciation Catholic Church to close off Mill and Patrick streets to accommodate the church's upcoming June 2 picnic.
Was told by Police Chief Templeton the department's last full-time position has been filled. He also said 60 pounds of unused medication was collected at the April 27 Drug Takeback event.
Was informed by Vic Mauer, street and sanitation supervisor, the spring cleanup collected 163 tons of material throughout California. This is a large increase from the regular 53 tons of material the department regularly picks up. The program cost the city $7,100.
In other business, the board:
Approved a bid to sell the Police Department's 2007 Chevrolet Impala for $1,600.
Approved a bid to sell the park department's tri-deck mower for $503.51 from the California Country Club.
Approved spending $2,425.47 with Ultra Violet Disinfection System Parts for wastewater system repairs. Wastewater supervisor Patrick Murphy said the funds would be used to replace 16 ultraviolet lamps, as well as sleeves and seals, in the wastewater disinfection system.
Approved spending $51,856 for lights at the California Sports Complex; the board was told the expense is under budget.