Editorial
It seemed fitting that Melvin Henson, who has spent most of his 77 years in service to the citizens of Buena Vista, would be the first recipient of a newly established lifetime service award named in his honor at his final meeting last Thursday as a member of City Council.
That he would be the initial recipient of the Melvin E. Henson Lifetime Service Award tells volumes about his tireless dedication to public service and the esteem for him held by his colleagues on City Council. His 16year tenure ended on City Council Thursday.
For the past 51 years, Henson has been a member of the Buena Vista Fire Department in which he’s served as training officer, lieutenant and captain. As an adjunct instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs for 25 years, he helped shape the skills, professionalism and readiness of firefighters in Buena Vista and beyond. He played a pivotal role in the planning for Buena Vista’s modern new firehouse that opened in 2004.
He was employed by the Buena Vista Public Works Department for 33 ½ years, rising through the ranks to become director before retiring 17 years ago. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he’s a 54-year member of Floyd Davison Post 126 of the American Legion. He’s been a member of various boards and commissions including, for the past 15 years, the Buena Vista Planning Commission.
Henson’s breadth of knowledge of Buena Vista’s infrastructure, including the placement, width and length of water and sewer pipes throughout the city, has served him and city residents well during his time on City Council and his career with public works. His ability to recall this factual information off the top of his head has been a real benefit to the city he loves and its citizens.
A 1966 graduate of Parry McCluer High School, Henson is and will forever be a Fighting Blue and one of the most enthusiastic boosters of Buena Vista. We salute him and the other recipients of awards handed out last Thursday by outgoing Mayor Tyson Cooper.
The volunteer fire department itself and its 65 active members were recognized on the occasion of its 120th anniversary. Individual firefighters who were honored included Herbie Huffman (51 years of service) and Larry Moore (47 years). Sammy Burnett, who died earlier this year, was honored posthumously for being a founding member of the Buena Vista Fire Department Auxiliary, which was established in 1967. She remained an active member for 57 years.
Buena Vista School Board chair Teresa Ellison was honored for her lengthy career in public education – 30 years as a teacher and administrator for the Buena Vista schools, 22 years with the Alleghany County schools and 17 years as a member of the Buena Vista School Board.
Former Buena Vista Mayor Mike Clements was honored for his 52 years of active service to the Buena Vista Rescue Squad. Clements was also recognized for having helped start and organize, at age 12 ½, the Buena Vista Volunteer Fire Department Junior Program.
Also honored by City Council last week were members of the PMHS cross country team and their coach, Chris Poluikis, for winning the Virginia Class 1 state championship. The team completed the season ranked No. 1 in the state across all classifications by MileStat.com and set a new school record with a remarkable top-five average time of 15:58.
It was gratifying to see all of these worthy individuals recognized for their accomplishments.
