VFW honors Gridley, Bekker and Berry for their years of community service

by Michael Nowotny

Mountain Home News

The Veterans of Foreign Wars held a special awards ceremony at city hall on Wednesday, presenting certificates of appreciation honoring the community service of three recipients: Fire Chief Phil Gridley, former Police Chief Tom Berry and former retired Citizens on Patrol captain Charles Bekker.

Representing the VFW, from Post 9585, was commander Melvin C. Lillicotch and Quartermaster John W. Root. Mayor Joe B. McNeal, a fellow member of Post 9585, was on hand to present the awards, and Brian Reed, a firefighter, was in attendance to accept Gridley's award, Gridley was unable to attend due to prior engagements.

Bekker was honored for his "selfless and heroic assumption of citizenship responsibility in crime prevention and criminal apprehension."

Gridley was honored for his "alertness, personal courage, and ever efficient guardianship of life and property."

Berry was honored for his unyielding adherence to the highest ideals of law enforcement in maintaining, preserving and protecting the lawful rights of all citizens.

Following the ceremony, the VFW members all praised the recipients,

"I'm really very proud of them, they have all done a lot for the city of Mountain Home," said Root.

"They have done a lot for the city, on and off duty. It is an honor to present them with their proper recognition," said Lillicotch.

"I think for the VFW to recognize people for their public service to the community is outstanding. Each one of the recipients are deserving of this award and as mayor and member of the post, I commend the Post Commander and all those involved in the recognition program," said McNeal.