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Mike and Mike duo honored by Roachdale for decade of service
ROACHDALE -- Despite the litany of controversy surrounding law enforcement throughout the United States, two officers have held fast.
Perfectly representing the range of officers typically found at small-town police departments, Roachdale Marshal Mike Mahoy and volunteer Lt. Mike Parks were recognized Tuesday as 2017 marks 10 years of service for each.
Commonly found together at sporting events and festivals around Putnam County, as well as in Roachdale, the duo has seen to the safety of residents and visitors alike since they each took the oath of their respective positions in 2007.
Mahoy and Parks, who have known each other since their days as officers in nearby Bainbridge, had some encouraging words for one another.
"It was 10 years ago is when we came to Roachdale to try to better the police department," Mahoy said, turning his attention to Parks. "And 10 years as an unpaid, reserve officer means dedication."
Mahoy then presented a "warrior rack" to Parks which houses every item an officer may need in one convenient place. It comes complete with a pistol lock box and several racks which can hold guns, gun belts, bulletproof vests and more. The warrior rack also came with "M. Parks" written at the top of the rack, symbolizing Parks' acceptance as a full-fledged officer despite his volunteer status.
In fact, it is his volunteer status that has earned him much respect from the rest of the police force.
"That's over 2,880 hours that he's put in to this department as an unpaid officer. We really appreciate what he's done," Mahoy added.
Deputy Marshal Adrian Lepine then caught Mahoy off-balance with a speech and warrior rack of his own.
"We kind of wanted to blindside Chief Mahoy a little, but we wanted to honor him, too," Lepine said. "I've been with the department for a little over a year and I can tell you that you're not going to find a man who's more committed or more dedicated to this town than Chief Mahoy. He works hard and for countless hours to make sure this community is safe and sound. I couldn't ask to work for a better boss.
"We wanted to give him some kudos also for his 10-year tenure," Lepine added.
"A new car?" Mahoy joked.
The pair were flanked by family and friends at the Tuesday public session.
In other business:
* A PASER study update was given by Board President Zach Bowers, saying a portion of the study that details the roads most in need of attention is nearing completion. A grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) was also discussed and plans to seek the grant were approved. The grant would total $1 million for the repaving of roads.
* The Gavilon natural gas agreement was updated by Bowers, as well. A motion to accept Utility Management and Construction's low bid of $175,500 was subsequently approved, beating bids from Miller Pipeline ($256,150) and C&HM Excavating ($244,750) for the project, which is now set for the laying of pipeline from Roachdale to Grain LLC, just across the Putnam-Montgomery county line. A completion date of July 24 had been set by the board prior to receiving bids. Income generated by the agreement will be used for matching-grant funds. The project has an overall completion timeline of about three years, though officials are confident it will take no more than two.
* Requests for building permits were discussed. All came with 6-0 favorable recommendations from the town's planning commission: A garage was approved for 501 E. Forest Home St.; a pole barn/garage was approved for 505 S. Indiana St.; a fence was approved for 102 N. Main St.; and a fence for 100 N. Main St. was approved.
* Ordinance 7-2017 was approved. This concerns the wearing of helmets for all off-road vehicles, including ATVs and golf carts.
* The next regularly-scheduled public session for the town of Roachdale will be held on Tuesday, July 11 beginning at 7 p.m. within Roachdale Town Hall.