Retirements & Promotions Noted at Sedalia Council Meeting

The City of Sedalia recognized two long-term employees at Monday night's City Council meeting, both of whom have retired.

Community Development Director John Simmons retired after 18 years of service to the City.

“It's been a great 18 Years. I've had six mayors, six administrators, and probably 30-plus Councilmen and women. It's been an honor and a pleasure through the tough times and the good times,” Simmons said. “Thank you all.”
“We're in capable hands with your new replacement, Sherry Lowry. I have gotten to know her the past two weeks and you're in good hands,” he said.

Simmons noted that he is not leaving Sedalia, but rather starting a new job with Sedalia Parks & Rec. Monday was his first day on the job. “It's a totally different atmosphere,” Simmons quipped.

He added that he will still work with the Historic Preservation Committee. “My heart's in the City,” he said.

City Administrator Kelvin Shaw thanked Simmons for his service while moving the City forward. “I just appreciate all you've done,” Shaw said, mentioning Simmons' work with downtown development, historic preservation and retail recruitment, to name a few of Simmons' many talents. He is also a sought-after grant writer, having secured many grants for the City over the nearly two decades he has served the City of Sedalia.

Get our free mobile app

Also retiring is George Stevens, who has served 34 years, two months and three weeks with the City of Sedalia in the Sanitation Department. He retired as a Level 2 Equipment Operator.

Public Works Operations Director Justin Bray said Stevens was originally hired as a part-time employee and was promoted to full-time May 9, 1990, and was promoted to Equipment Operator Level 1 for the Street Department in June of 1992.

In 1995, Stevens was promoted to Equipment Operator Level 2 in the Sanitation Department. He drove a garbage truck for 21 years. The last eight years of Steven's service was at the City's Materials Management Site.

“George has always been a service-minded person.” Bray said. “He has had the attitude of 'what I can do for you',” adding that when he drove a garbage truck, he would always arrive at work by 5 a.m., and make sure there was coffee and Gatorade available for his fellow employees at the City barn. “During the cold months, he would make chili for everyone. He would always take the time to treat everyone with respect. He is not a person who likes idle time. He is a mover and a doer. He never sits still and takes pride in everything he does. George will always be missed by the citizens and especially his co-workers … I want to congratulate you on your retirement.”

Both Simmons and Stevens were presented lovely parting gifts by Mayor Dawson.

Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin promoted five firefighters to the rank of lieutenant Monday night, including Colby Snapp, Nathaniel Nevels, Christopher Maggart, Matthew Moulton and Aleksey Razumovsky.

A fourth firefighter, Jeremy Pepin, was also promoted but unable to attend Monday night's meeting.

Each was presented with a new helmet and a pair of collar brass by Chief Irwin. Family members did the honor of pinning a lieutenant badge on their loved ones.
“As a fire chief, these are probably the most exciting times for me.” Irwin said, adding that “with the implementation of a squad, there was a need to have an additional working supervisor.” This is the first time in the history of the SFD that there is a lieutenant position, he noted.

Competition for the six new positions was strong. The ones who were promoted earned their promotions on a number of levels, Irwin said.