Massillon honors: Grimes grabs top police award; Massillon Fire Department also recognized
MASSILLON – An annual event that typically highlights individual accomplishments citywide took a slight turn this year.
Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry shifted the spotlight Friday morning onto numerous residents, employees, civic organizations and local businesses for outstanding performances in 2022 during the city's annual awards breakfast.
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Also singled out among the honorees were some outstanding groups – the Massillon Fire Department and American Legion Post No. 221 – a slight change from previous award ceremonies tailored more toward specific firefighters and veterans.
Honored as the 2022 firefighter of the year was the entire department. Fire Chief Matt Heck made the announcement.
"It was difficult to single out anyone over the others," said Heck, noting that the city had no fire-related fatalities in 2022. "They do all these things to serve the community without missing a beat."
Catazaro-Perry told the approximately 150 event attendees this is one of events she looks forward to each year. The ceremony was held at the St. George Cultural Center on First Street SE.
"All our employees do an amazing job and deserve recognition," she said. "All are champions in the 'City of Champions.'"
Massillon veterans, police officer, student, senior citizen also recognized
The Police Officer of the Year was patrolman Joshua Grimes, who as introduced by Police Chief Brian Saintenoy.
Grimes was selected for the honor in part for his ability to defuse tense situations during suspect interactions, as well as assisting other officers who've experienced mental health episodes.
Washington High School student Jasmine Mazariegos was picked as Student of the Year. She has served as Obie, the Tigers' mascot and was a finalist for homecoming queen.
Dr. Charles Paquelet was tapped as Massillon's Senior Citizen of the Year.
A contingent of local U.S. military veterans shared the honor as the city's U.S. military Veteran of the Year award, as American Legion color guard and honor guard members were tapped for the recognition.
Jeff Runser, member and past commander of the Legion, called Friday's group recognition special.
"This is how we – as volunteers – get paid," said Runser, noting that Massillon is a "very pro-veteran city." "It means a great deal to us to be recognized."
Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE
Massillon awards breakfast honorees
Small Business of the Year: John Patrick Picard Architect
Large Business of the Year: Fresh Mark Inc.
Organizations of the Year: One Tiger Inc.; Massillon Lions Club; Pawsitive Future; Altered Tails Project and Barb Betz – TNR
Senior Citizen of the Year: Dr. Charles Paquelet
Department Director of the Year: Tom Burgasser, Street Department
Employee of the Year: Jeff King, Engineering Department
Firefighter of the Year: Massillon Fire Department (as a whole)
Police Officer of the Year: Patrolman Joshua Grimes
Student of the Year: Jasmine Mazariegos, Washington High School
Department of the Year: Massillon Street Department
Veteran of the Year: American Legion Post 221 color guard and honor guard members
Community Service Awards: Sherie Brown; Jamie Rupert, Jill Kozelek-Carbajal and Christian Lamb
Service with Excellence Awards: Canton Mayor Tom Bernabei; Alliance Mayor Alan Andreani; Massillon Auditor Jayne Ferrero; Attorney Leslie Iams Kuntz; and Stark County Judge Frank Forchione
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon annual awards breakfast police firefighter business student
