Mayor Presents 2022 Awards In City Council Meeting

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

Three Mesquite residents were given special recognition at a City Council meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 15

The awards were presented for outstanding service throughout 2022. Larry Wait was recognized as Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Keith Browning was awarded with City Employee of the Year and Nancy Wincentsen was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award.

Mayor Al Litman talked about the numerous hours that Wait had spent in service to his community. Wait has served in positions on various boards for organizations such as Salvation Army, CERT and RAISE. He also helps the fire department with community barbecues and the pancake breakfast, Litman said.

Wait has helped local police officers with the Shop with a Cop program and he participates in the Golf Fore Kids charitable golf tournament, Litman added.
“Larry has been a crossing guard for the elementary school for many years and he is now serving on the Community Education Advisory Board,” Litman said.

After being presented with the award, Wait expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I just like helping out giving back to the community I love,” he said.

In the next segment, Litman talked about the service of local firefighter/paramedic Keith Browning. Browning has worked with the fire department since being hired as a reserve firefighter in 2009. He was hired full time in 2013.

Browning coordinates the community’s CPR training program which offers classes on monthly basis. He also runs the department’s vehice extraction equipment and provides training on it’s use.
“Keith does a fantastic job keeping the department up to speed on the latest technology and ensuring the equipment is being maintained and serviced regularly,” Litman said.

Finally, Litman presented the Volunteer of the Year award. He talked about how Wincentsen had been volunteering for the city for the past five years at the Athletics and Leisure Services Department.
Wincentsen teaches dance classes at the Recreation Center including beginning dance, tap, jazz for fun and more.

Litman recalled meeting Wincentsen several years ago and talking to her about starting a dance program at the city facilities.
“She stepped up to the plate and got it going,” Litman said. “It is a very successful program.”

In some brief comments, Wincentsen expressed appreciation to Litman, the city council and parks and recreation director Nick Montoya for being considered for the award.

“This award is evidence that our city leaders recognize the value and contribution of talented and tireless volunteers in our community,” Wincentsen said. “I stand here humbled to be in their fine company. Dance is my passion and I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach it at the recreation center.”