PORT ANGELES — Leonard Beil received a Citizens’ Service Medal at the Port Angeles City Council meeting Tuesday.
Four outgoing City Council members also were congratulated for their public service.
Mayor Gary Braun, City Manager Kent Myers, Police Chief Terry Gallagher and Fire Chief Dan McKeen presented Beil with a Citizens’ Service Medal at the meeting for more than three decades of work promoting public safety.
Myers also gave departing council members Braun, Larry Williams, Karen Rogers and Deputy Mayor Betsy Wharton each a certificate acknowledging their time on the council.
The medal came as a surprise to Beil, who came to the meeting with his wife and grandson.
“I’m really at loss for words,” he said.
“Dan had called and asked if I would be here this evening. He didn’t say why.”
McKeen said during an interview that Beil, 86, was instrumental in bringing paramedic services to the Port Angeles Fire Department.
He said Beil was also an original member of the Medic 1 and Public Safety advisory boards and has helped at-risk youths with community service programs.
“What makes Port Angeles a great city to live in is not the government services but the degree to which citizens get involved,” McKeen said.
“And Leonard Beil is truly an example of that contribution.”
Tuesday’s meeting was the last for each of the outgoing council members.
They were each congratulated by Lower Elwha Klallam Chairwoman Frances Charles, given a standing ovation from the approximately 30 people in the audience and a bottle of wine from fellow City Council member Don Perry.
“Thank you for opening your doors . . . our hands really go out to all of you,” said Charles, who acknowledged both the times during their tenures when city and tribal interests clashed, such as with the uncovering of the ancient Klallam village of Tse-whit-zen — which stopped a state graving yard project when construction found artifacts and human remains — and how the city and tribal councils were able to overcome those issues.
The four outgoing members thanked city staff members and residents, promised to remain involved in the community and give some words of advice to the incoming City Council members.
“Seize the day, communicate, be fair and truly enjoy your role on the City Council,” said Rogers.
Braun, who has been on the City Council from 1992-1999 and 2002-now, has served the longest on the council out of the four. Williams, a former deputy mayor, has served since 1998; Rogers, a former mayor, has served since 2002; and Wharton has served since 2006.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.