City council tonight made several special recognitions.

The first on the agenda was the recognition of Willier Sledge, who retired from the Parks and Recreation Department at the end of October.

Sledge began her career with the city in May of 1967, working part-time at Chaloner Recreation Center. She was hired full-time on December 4, 2000, as recreation center leader and worked in that capacity until her retirement.

“I’ve known Mrs. Sledge since I came to town,” Councilman Carl Ferebee said. “She’s an asset to the entire Roanoke Valley.”

“Thank you for putting up with me,” Sledge said. “I thank the city of Roanoke Rapids.”

Hinton recognizes, from left, Wrenn, Doughtie and King,

Police Chief Jeff Hinton recognized volunteers Lauren Doughtie, Jessica King and Jo Wrenn for their time working in the police department.

The last award was presented earlier in the day but council again recognized it at its meeting.

Mayor Doughtie, left, with Wiltsie, Wilson and Scarbrough.

The Halifax Resolves Chapter of the North Carolina Society, Sons of the American Revolution, awarded the Society’s Fire Safety Commendation Medal to Roanoke Rapids firefighter Karl Wiltsie.

The award, according to a press release from chapter President Ken Wilson, is presented to an individual only once and recognizes a variety of fire safety and service that has evolved into a highly technical and skilled profession with constant study, development and involvement with a single goal in mind — to protect human life and property by preventing injuries or casualties due to fire and chemicals.  Chief Stacy Coggins nominated Wiltsie for the award.

Wilson presented the medal to Wiltsie as Mayor Emory Doughtie, Roanoke Rapids City Council member Suetta Scarbrough, Coggins and fellow firefighters observed.