LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a Lima church is recognizing individuals and organizations that make a difference in the community.
The Lima Seventh-Day Adventist Church took time during its weekend service to present its 2025 Community Service Awards. This year’s honorees included members of the Lima Police and Fire Departments for their ongoing work to keep residents safe.
The church also recognized Lima Allen County Neighborhoods in Partnership (LACNIP) and two organizations serving individuals with disabilities — the Allen County Abilities Baseball League and Special Friends of Northwest Ohio.
Church leaders say the goal is to ensure these individuals feel appreciated for the impact they have on the region.
“So that's our intent today, to express gratitude, especially to those smaller organizations that get little or no attention. We want them to know that we've seen them, we recognize their work, and we appreciate what they have done to this community,” says Pastor Carl Brooks, Lima Seventh Day Adventist Church.
“It's important that the community knows we are here and that we see them. So this once a year, Thanksgiving, we like to just see them here and just give them a little little something to know how much we appreciate the work that they do in the community, behind the scenes,” says Sandy Hunt, Lima Seventh Day Adventist Church.
This is the fifth year the Lima Seventh-Day Adventist Church has hosted the Community Service Awards. The 2025 awardees are:
Lima Police Department
• Major Zachary Leland
• Lt. Ben Thompson
• Patrolman Nevan Stolly
Lima Fire Department
• Chief Jack McDermitt
• Jean Conrad
• Miles Conrad
Allen County Abilities Baseball League
• Rachael Staley
• Tom & Dottie Chapman
• Matt Staley
• Brad & Ashley Liebrecht
• Brett & Rhonda Casady
• Dave Glick
• Jerry Hunt
• Cam, Eli, Maci, & Jake Staley
LACNIP
• Denise James
• Phyllis Henderson
• Teresa Heath
Special Friends of Northwest Ohio
• Haley Hemker
• Brandon Hemker
• Jim & Betsy Calvelage
• Dan & Lisa Sackinger
• Calla Miller
• Jayne & Michael Hilvers
