By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Six Paris City employees are the first recipients of the Tower of Excellence Mayor’s Award for their actions ‘above and beyond’ at a fatal accident which occurred on East Wood Street in early February.
The award—which replaces the Marquis de Paris which formerly was the highest honor that could be bestowed by the city—was given to the city street department employees at the Paris City Commission meeting Thursday night.
Award recipients are: Chris Moseley, Michael Steele, David Mitchell, Marcus Russell, John Smith and Lane Sutton. Sutton, Mitchell and Steele could not be at the meeting.
During the accident, the driver lost control and ran off the roadway and down a ravine and his vehicle was being kept upright by a tree.
Paris Police Lt. Michael Ramos said the six immediately began working to help rescue the driver, who later passed away, and a passenger, who was airlifted to a Nashville hospital.
In presenting the awards, Mayor Carlton Gerrell said, “We’ve thought for awhile we needed something different than the Marquis de Paris. The Tower of Excellence Mayor’s Award will be given at special occasions such as this.”
City Manager Kim Foster said Lt. Ramos “came to my office to tell me about this and to say he thought we should recognize them in some way. My heart filled with pride to be part of this organization. It filled with pride that Lt. Ramos came and said he wanted to honor these guys and it filled my heart with pride that these men stepped in to help.”
In other business:
–The city has set a public informational meeting to discuss the progress on the sidewalk project for the Wilson St./Patriot Avenue area. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. March 24 at City Hall.
–After discussion with Paris Fire Chief Michael Williams and Henry Co. EMA Director Ron Watkins, commissioners approved a resolution putting in place an interlocal agreement between the city and Henry County regarding fire and rescue automatic aid. Improvements are being proposed that will result in better overall service to the citizens of the county, Foster said. Police Chief Chuck Elizondo also was on hand to answer questions.
Photo: Marcus Russell, John Smith and Chris Moseley receive their awards from Mayor Gerrell. Steele, Mitchell and Sutton could not be at the meeting. (Shannon McFarlin photo).