By Jason E. Silvers
Fort Scott Tribune – October 16, 2013
Matthew Resnick/Tribune photo James Leeper, (center) a client at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, receives a plaque and certificate honoring him for 15 years of service with the Fort Scott fire and police departments during the Fort Scott City Commission meeting Tuesday evening. Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou (left) and Fort Scott Police Department Chief Travis Shelton presented Leeper with the recognition.
James Leeper’s hard work over the last 15 years earned him some recognition during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission.
Leeper, a client at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, received a plaque and certificate honoring him for his years of service with the Fort Scott police and fire departments during a brief presentation at the start of the meeting.
Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou and Fort Scott Police Department Chief Travis Shelton presented the plaque to Leeper and spoke to the commission.
“We wanted to honor a 15-year employee,” Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou said.
“James doesn’t know a stranger, either,” Shelton told the commission.
Shelton said Leeper cleans the police and fire departments at the Hawkins Public Safety Facility three day a week. Leeper’s duties include taking out the trash, cleaning windows, vacuuming and other general cleaning.
“He knows everybody and talks to everyone,” Shelton said.
Leeper was congratulated by commissioners and City Manager Dave Martin as well.
“Thank you for all the work you’ve done,” Mayor Cindy Bartelsmeyer told Leeper.
“Oh, you’re welcome,” Leeper said in response.
After the meeting, Shelton said Leeper is a sports fan and talks to Shelton and other public safety personnel about professional football games.
In 2012, Leeper received some encouragement from local emergency personnel before he participated in a Special Olympics event in Pittsburg. FSPD and FSFD employees honored Leeper at the Hawkins Public Safety Facility. At that event, staff celebrated with Leeper and presented him with a basketball signed by police and fire personnel.
Leeper played basketball at the Southeast Basketball and Cheerleading event in February 2012 at Pittsburg State University.
Other than light janitorial duties he has performed at the Hawkins Public Safety Facility the last 15 years, he has also helped out at times during special events in the city, such as parades.
Be First to Comment