Elks Club Awards Honor Ferndale Employees and Residents
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 8, 2021)
Ferndale, MI –  “Leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about how we can inspire each other every day,” said Ferndale Fire Chief Theresa Robinson as she spoke of Evan Chevela and his recent Ferndale Elks Firefighter of the Year Award. Chevela was one of seven people honored at the annual ceremony to recognize city employees and community volunteers.  According to the Chief, Evan “comes to work everyday and has an infectious smile, amazing, attitude, and inspires everybody around him.”
A ceremony and banquet was held for the winners at the Ferndale Elks Lodge on Nov. 4, and the winners were announced at the Nov. 8 City Council meeting.  Winners were selected by their peers in each department, with citizen of the year being selected by City Council.

Citizen of the Year was Alan Hejl who volunteers as the Chair of the Accessibility and inclusion Advisory Commission and has been what Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana calls “a driving force in the Master Plan and the Non-Motorized Master Plan.”  She called Hejl “a calm, passionate, and compassionate voice in really advocating for disability rights.”
The President of the Ferndale Seniors, Jeannie Davis, presented Senior of the Year to Sheila Jackson who was honored for her strength in inspiring others, and for diving in to help during the pandemic when the seniors weren’t able to meet.  Volunteers like Jackson helped by keeping in touch with fellow members during this isolating time.
Probation Officer Michelle Buckman was also honored for the light she brings to those in her office at the 43rd District Court, earning Court Worker of the Year.

In City Hall it was Kathy McClintic who was selected by her peers for City Hall Employee of the Year. Development Director Jordan Twardy said that over her 20+ year career, McClintic “handles change with empathy, and grace, and skill.”  She’s also a third generation City of Ferndale staffer – with two generations of firefighters serving the city before her.
DPW worker of the year, William Lucas, was selected by others on his crew because with over 31 years of putting work into making the city shine and run well, he still comes to work with a smile.  “He is just an all around great member to have on your team,” said DPW Director Daniel Antosik.
And for Police Officer of the Year it was 25 year veteran Edward Ungerman who was awarded the honor.  Ungerman has roots in Ferndale, having attended Ferndale High School.  “He knows the city inside and out,” said Chief Dennis Emi.  He added the Ungerman is a field training officer and a founding member of the Police Honor Guard.
This year The Elks were also presented with an award.  Downtown Development Authority Director Lena Stevens presented the Elks with the Feel the Pride Award for their window decorations for the annual Ferndale Pride celebration.
Learn more about Ferndale Elks at http://www.elks1588.com/.
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