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Awarding excellence: Central City Fire Chief Gary Allen received the Colorado Municipal League’s Sam Mamet Good Governance Award and was honored at the recent Central City Council Meeting on July 2, 2024.[/caption]
In a heartfelt tribute at the Central City Council meeting on July 2, 2024, Mayor Jeremy Fey played a video honoring Chief Gary Allen for receiving the prestigious Sam Mamet Good Governance Award.
Chief Allen was one of the esteemed recipients of the award at the welcome luncheon, sponsored by Xcel Energy, held on June 19 during the Colorado Municipal League’s (CML) Annual Conference. Sharing this honor with former City of Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet, Allen was recognized for his nearly 50 years of public service and dedication to the community of Central City.
The Sam Mamet Good Governance Award, established in 2019, commemorates the legacy of retired CML Executive Director Sam Mamet. The award honors up to three individuals annually who exemplify principles of good governance, including efficiency, responsiveness, transparency, respect for the rule of law, accountability, inclusivity, ethical behavior, innovation, representation of all constituencies, and fiscal accountability.
Fey emphasized Allen’s significant contributions to Central City, saying, “For his commitment of nearly 50 years of public service and all of the great things he has done for the wonderful community of Central City, we honor him today.”
The video, which showcased Allen’s award, featured his reflections on his service: “I was born and raised here. It’s my home. I’m a poor country boy that wants to do the right thing. My dad instilled in me to do the right thing.”
City Manager Daniel Miera also praised Allen in the video, stating, “His dedication to public service and specifically to the city and our community over 50 years is admirable and worthy of showcasing.” Fey highlighted Allen’s leadership and exemplary service to the community.
The video received generous applause from the audience, and Allen was invited to speak. Expressing his humility, Allen said, “I am honored and humbled at the same time.”
When asked if he sees retirement in the future, Allen said he would like to stay on to see a new fire station for the Central City Fire Department.
Fey shared that Allen received the award in a hotel ballroom in Loveland before a crowd of at least 1,000 people, adding that it was a well-deserved honor. Fey thanked Miera for nominating Allen for the award.
Alderman Marcia Enloe, who attended the luncheon, remarked on the emotional impact of witnessing Allen receive the award. “You are very respected in this community, and I know we all appreciate you very much. Thank you for all you do,” she said.
This year, the CML received 20 nominations for the award, submitted by CML members and voted on by the CML Executive Board.
The tribute video can be viewed on the CML website at https://www.cml.org/utility-pages/about-cml/sam-mamet-good-governance-award. The Central City Fire Department is always looking for volunteers and information on applying can be found at https://www.centralcityfire.com/contact.
