Will Ryan be here tonight?

No, he's in the Lord.

Have a fund specifically for the department.

If we knew it was going to be general, because that was a little bit of that paper.

Good evening.

I'm going to call to order our September 1st town council meeting at this time.

I'm going to pass the mic to Councilman Stotz, who will introduce our invocation this evening.

My great pleasure to invite Joseph Spurgeon of Sovereign King Church to the podium.

How are you doing, sir?

Good, good.

How are you?

Good.

Well, let's pray.

All right.

Our Father in Heaven, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, through whom and for whom all things were made, and to whom every ruler and every nation must ultimately give an account.

Called to punish what is evil and to praise and protect what is good.

We therefore ask you to give these council members wisdom from above as they deliberate and make decisions for the people they serve.

I pray that you would give them courage when necessary decisions are unpopular.

Keep them also from placing unnecessary burdens upon the people.

Grant them wisdom to distinguish between what government must do and what it may desire to do.

Help them to steward public money carefully, to protect the liberties and properties of our citizens, to remember families and businesses already carrying heavy burdens, and exercise restraint wherever restraint is wise.

Guide this account town according to what is true, righteous, and good.

Let justice be upheld.

And through their faithful service, grant the people of Clarksville the freedom to live peaceful, quiet, and dignified lives, to raise our families, to work with our hands, to worship you freely, to love our neighbors, and above all to seek the highest good, which is salvation and everlasting life in Jesus Christ.

Teach us all to remember that righteousness exalts a nation, and that every authority on earth stands beneath the authority of your son.

And we ask these saints in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen and reigning king.

Amen.

If you would all stand with me for our pledge.

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

Okay, this evening we have uh three items under recognition and appointments.

I'm gonna make a little switch on that.

I'm gonna do 2.2 first, which is a proclamation honoring fire chief Brent Wilson, and I'd ask Councilwoman uh Voiner to join me at the podium, please.

Welcome.

Well, I'm gonna read this to you, Brent.

So it says, whereas Chief Brent Wilson has dedicated more than two decades of his career to serving the town of Clarksville and the Clarksville Fire Department, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety, well-being, and protection of our community.

And whereas throughout the distinguished career, Chief Wilson has served Clarksville in numerous leadership and operational roles, accepting increasing levels of responsibility while remaining committed to the firefighters, residences, business, residents, businesses, and families he served.

And whereas Chief Wilson has been an instrumental in strengthening the professionalism and capabilities of the Clarksville Fire Department through improvements in operations, trainings, emergency preparedness, fire prevention, investigations, accountability, and departmental planning.

Whereas his expertise in fire investigation has extended far beyond Clarksville, including serving as a lead investigator for more than 120 origin and cause investigations, providing expert testimony in criminal proceedings, and being appointed to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Fire Investigation Committee.

And whereas Chief Wilson has devoted countless hours to professional development throughout his career, earning extensive certifications and specialized training in fire investigation, emergency management, incident command, hazardous materials, technical rescue, fire inspection, and leadership.

And whereas his dedication has been recognized throughout his career, including being named Clarksville Firefighter of the Year twice, receiving the Town of Clarksville Board of Fire Commissioners above and beyond award, and receiving recognition for his dedication and achievement in fire investigation.

And whereas, beyond his accompliments and professional credentials, Chief Wilson's greatest contribution can be found in the people that he has led, trained, mentored, and served.

In the culture of preparedness, professionalism, accountability, and public service, he has helped strengthen within the Clarksville Fire Department.

And whereas Chief Wilson has devoted a significant portion of his life to Clarksville, answering the call to serve during emergencies, working behind the scenes to make the community safer, and helping to ensure that generations of Clarksville firefighters were prepared to answer the same call.

Whereas Chief Wilson concludes this chapter of his service to town of Clarksville, his impact will remain evident in the department.

He helped lead the firefighters whose careers he influenced in the community he works so tirelessly to protect.

Now, therefore, it be proclaimed that this town council of the town of Clarksville, Indiana, on behalf of the town administration, employees, residents, and community, hereby expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Chief Brent Wilson for his exceptional service, leadership, sacrifice, and dedication to the town of Clarksville.

Be it further proclaimed that the town of Clarksville extends its deepest thanks to Chief Wilson and his family for the many years they have shared his time and talents with our community and wishes him to continue success and fulfillment in all that lies ahead.

So congratulations.

Thank you, Jennifer, for reading that.

It's a sad day, but it's also a great day.

When we look at the accomplishments that Brent had in his service to our town, it's impactful.

And he's been nothing short of that in the time he served as our chief.

I thank you for all the dungeon town.

Your honor is the council.

Thank you very much.

Are we working?

Okay.

There we go.

Members of the council, members of the fire department, and everybody here tonight.