LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Community leaders gathered in Lima Friday afternoon to recognize those who go above and beyond to keep Allen County safe.
The 27th annual Safe Community Awards honored 12 individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the well-being of residents, visitors and workers across the region. Awards were given to first responders, hospital staff and safety educators who play a vital role in preventing injury and promoting safety. Organizers say the ceremony is a way to express appreciation for those whose work often goes unnoticed.
“I think this work is kind of thankless at times, and it’s taxing on not just the individual doing the work, but also their families,” said Megan Kinnear, public outreach and community program planner for the Lima/Allen County Regional Planning Commission. “There’s a lot of loss — whether it’s missing events for your own family or losing someone in the line of duty — and they just need to be reminded that we appreciate them.”
2025 Safe Community Award recipients:
Occupational and Chemical Safety Award: Tyler Beemer, Allied Environmental Services
Traffic Safety Award: Stephanie Powell, Ohio State Highway Patrol
Education and Training Safety Award: Chad Massie, Rhodes State College
Community Health and Safety Award: Tommie Harner, West Ohio Food Bank
EMS Safety Award: Bluffton EMS
Employee Safety Award: Jacalyn Owens, City of Lima
Engineering Safety Award: City of Lima Department of Public Works in coordination with Sean Oden, Low Vision Coalition
Youth Safety Award: David McDaniel, Kruisin' Driving School
Transportation Safety Award: Antwan Riley, Allen County RTA
Fire Safety Award: Lt. David Coulter, Lima Fire Department
Fire Safety Award: Trooper Grant Baumle, Ohio State Highway Patrol
Lifetime Achievement Award: Brian Anderson, Mercy Health–St. Rita’s
