During the April 26 McCleary City Council meeting, the city recognized a former mayor and fire chief for his decades of service to the community.

Ron Pittman stood before the council and the public as McCleary Mayor Brent Schiller stood by his side and read from a resolution recognizing Pittman’s contributions to the city.

Pittman served as mayor from 1983 to 1985.

In addition to his time at the helm of the city, Pittman also was a member of the McCleary Fire Department from 1984 until he retired last year. He was named Fire Chief in 2006.

“Ron’s history of service exemplifies what he sought to pass on to his fellow members, the commitment to the community they had volunteered to serve,” Mayor Schiller read. “He sought to lead his compatriots in showing respect for their compatriots and performing their duties with safety, all while doing so in a professional manner.”

Pittman also was recognized for his role in the annual McCleary Bear Festival as bear stew cook.

During the council meeting as Schiller read from the resolution, Pittman became emotional, smiling and holding back tears as he was honored. He looked often to his wife seated in the crowd.

“It’s been a pleasure, and McCleary has always been my home,” Pittman said. “I enjoyed being here all this time. Sometimes you get up in the middle of the night and the alarm’s going off and you think, ‘I’ve got to do it,’ and you’re standing in 20 degrees and the water’s over your boots and you’re helping people out. That’s very important.”