McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley issued letters of commendation to several employees in the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
One letter was presented to lifeguard Isabel Kirby.
“Please allow me to thank you on behalf of the city of McMinnville for your heroic efforts in saving a young boy from drowning at the Gilley Pool,” said Haley. “Your selfless actions remind us all of how special it is to be able to serve others … especially at their hardest and most difficult times. Your training and dedication to excellence paid off in the most special way … in saving a life.”
One was presented to lifeguard Robert Eschenbacher.
“On behalf of the city of McMinnville and its citizens, please allow me to offer our thanks and appreciation for your recent act of heroism while on lifeguard duty at Gilley Pool. Serving others is often a thankless job, but your quick response and exceptional training resulted in saving the life of a child. Heroic efforts such as these should be recognized.”
One was presented to lifeguard Ethan Bandy.
“Performing one’s duties as a lifeguard can often be a thankless task, but your recent efforts in saving the life of a child should be recognized. On behalf of the city of McMinnville and its citizens, please allow me to offer our thanks and gratitude for your assistance during the recent incident at Gilley Pool.”
Providing proper training and encouraging teamwork are McMinnville Parks and Recreation assistant director Justin Scott and Wellness and Aquatics manager Matt McColloch. Both Scott and McColloch received letters for their dedication to providing employees with training and encouragement.
In his letter to Scott, Haley said, “On behalf of the city and our citizens, please allow me to thank you, Justin, for all your efforts to train our lifeguards and to uphold standards that promote safety to all our recreational facilities. You are a valued employee and I commend you for your dedication to the safety and well-being of our citizenry. You make us all proud.”
In McColloch’s letter, Haley said, “The recent incidents at Gilley Pool make us all aware of the importance of training and the safety measures taken by all of our staff there. Your exceptional service continues to allow McMinnville to be a great place to live, work and play.”
The letters were presented during Tuesday night’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. a