SIDNEY — Information on awards for extraordinary acts and the promotions of members of the Sidney Department of Fire & Emergency Services were presented to the Sidney City Council during its Monday evening meeting.

The recognition of achievements encompasses the last year since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.

The City Council meeting was held via a hybrid-style teleconference, due to COVID-19 precautions, so Fire Chief Chad Hollinger presented the information without the other members present. Instead, he displayed a video recorded and produced by students of the Sidney High School of the awards ceremony held at Sidney Fire Station 1 on March 11.

The following firefighters’ promotions were presented:

• Lt. Brian Lundy – promoted to lieutenant on March 2, 2020;

• Lt. Bryan Ramge – promoted to lieutenant on July 6, 2020;

• Assistant Chief Mark Barga – promoted to assistant chief on July 6, 2020;

• Lt. Greg Francis – promoted to lieutenant on Nov. 16, 2020;

• Assistant Chief Keith Wiley – promoted to assistant chief on Nov. 16, 2020;

• Deputy Chief Dallas Davis – promoted to deputy chief on Nov. 16, 2020;

• Chief Chad Hollinger – promoted to fire chief on Nov. 11, 2020.

The following achievements of the following firefighters and civilians were also recognized:

• Retirement plaques were presented by the Shelby County Firefighter’s Association to Assistant Chief Chris Niswonger, Lt. Rod Dyer, and firefighters Steve O’Meara and Doug Stammen.

• The “Pusher Award” was presented to Lt. Rick Slife by the Shelby County Firefighter’s Association.

• Unit Citation and Life Saver Award for a water rescue on March 28, 2020, was presented to Deputy Chief Dallas Davis, Lt. Jason Truesdale, Lt. Brian Lundy, Lt. Bryan Ramge, firefighter Lucas Woodward and civilian Bob Spearman.

• 2019 Firefighter of the Year was presented to firefighter Chance Guisinger.

• 2020 Firefighter of the Year was presented to firefighter Collin Habel.

• Fire Chief’s Medal of Honor was given to civilian Jim Mangas for helping a choking victim on Oct. 27, 2019.

• Civilian Life Saver Award was given to Isaiah Linton, who removed his siblings from a structure fire on March 27, 2020.

At the end of Hollinger’s presentation, council members gave a round of applause in honor of the award winners and for the promotions.

In other business during comments from the public, Rebecca Adams, of Sandpiper Place, and Glenn Schwarzman, of Windsor Park, expressed concern about safety in the Parkwood Avenue area since a food truck began operating along the public street. Mayor Mike Barhorst requested for City Manager Mark Cundiff to review existing regulations with city staff members to determine what, if anything, could be done to alleviate their safety concerns.

During staff comments at the end of the meeting, Police Chief Will Balling asked if City Council’s motion to table the discussion on the use of golf carts/low speed vehicles indefinitely in September 2020 was a cue for his staff to begin enforcing the existing regulations. Barhorst said yes. The use of certain non-traditional vehicles on public streets is not permitted within the city of Sidney.

Council member Darryl Thurber was absent Monday and was excused by council.

In final business, City Council went into an executive session to discuss pending or imminent court action. Council also held a special meeting immediately prior the regular meeting Monday to hold an executive session to discuss the employment of a public employee. No action was taken by council members after they emerged from either session.