Fire police chief Raymond Amy doesn’t normally attend Oxford Borough Council meetings. So the job of getting him to the council meeting at 7 p.m. on May 21 fell to Scott Brown, Oxford Borough’s interim police chief. Brown told Amy that there was an issue that borough officials needed to discuss with the fire police chief.

The surprise on Amy’s face was evident when the real reason for having him at the meeting was revealed: He was one of two recipients of the annual Citizen Recognition Awards that are coordinated through the mayor’s office.

Amy’s emotional response to being presented with a Citizen Recognition Award by Mayor Lorraine Durnan Bell was a feel-good moment unlikely to be equalled at a council meeting any time soon.

Bell thanked Amy for his dedicated service to the Oxford community. He has been a member of Union Fire Company No. 1 for 12 years. Amy has helped keep his fellow emergency responders and citizens safe while responding to more than 1,900 calls for emergency service. He has also volunteered countless hours in addition to his duties as fire police captain.

“I commend your service to the citizens and businesses in Oxford,” Bell said while presenting the award. “The quick response to all calls for help provides a level of safety for all residents.”

The Oxford Area Recreation Authority was commended for improving the quality of life for borough residents. The Oxford Area Recreation Authority helped make a new community park, the Oxford Area Regional Park, a reality.

Bell lauded the volunteer organization for overseeing the operations of the park and for adding community events like the Pitch, Hit and Run competition and the “Haunted Park” to the lineup of activities available to local residents. Most recently, Bell noted, the opening of a new and eagerly anticipated dog park took place on May 19.

“Your commitment to serving the community and inspiring others has been exemplary and provides a model for everyone to follow,” Bell said.

The two new recipients join a growing number of individuals, businesses, and community organizations that have been honored with the Citizen Recognition Awards since they were established by former mayor Geoff Henry in 2007.

Bell talked about what a privilege it was to be able to rocognize the efforts of people who are working to make a difference in the community.

“This year's Citizen Recognition Award recipients are well deserved,” Bell said. “Fire Police Captain Ray Amy has served tirelessly in our community for many years and answered of 1900 calls for emergencies, that is quite an accomplishment and we are proud to have him be part of our community. I am also grateful to the Oxford Area Recreation Authority for all they have done to improve the lives of our citizens, and now our dogs with the opening of our new dog park. We are a giving community and I am humbled to be able to recognize our deserving citizens.”