Since the unexpected midterm retirement of Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini on Nov. 10, 2025, the Millcreek City Council has been in a near constant state of transition. When District 3 Rep. Cheri Jackson was selected to carry out the rest of Silvestrini's term as mayor, her election left a vacant council seat, prompting another special election to ensue. Ultimately, Nicole Handy unanimously was chosen to serve in the role, and the Dec. 8 meeting marked the first time the council convened together in its newfound configuration.

During the meeting, the council honored the accomplishments of a few standout community members. Millcreek Unified Police Precinct Chief Christine Petty-Brown honored Sgt. Jessie Allen as Officer of the Month, explaining that Allen was chosen to receive this award because of his exemplary response to a case involving child neglect. Petty-Brown said, "Sergeant Allen demonstrated unwavering commitment and initiative" and took efforts to get support for the children. “Despite being told no by multiple departments, he refused to give up. His determination and compassion quite literally changed the trajectory of their lives." 

Mayor Jackson expressed gratitude toward Allen for his work, saying, "he has provided wonderful service to Millcreek and that is just an example of his compassion...to make sure Millcreek residents are taken care of, especially children."

Following this, Petty-Brown recognized Officer Anthony Crawford as the 2025 Officer of the Year for the Millcreek precinct. She highlighted his work as a field training officer, where he works to train each new cohort of recruits that will serve on Millcreek's force. Regarding his work ethic, she added that "he leads by example, demonstrating sound judgment, patience and professionalism," emphasizing how “his character has made him a consistent and high achieving trainer, and member of the force."

The room rose to give Crawford a round of applause, and Petty-Brown presented him with the award. Jackson had presented him with this award at a formal ceremony earlier this year, but she reiterated her gratitude for Crawford's work in the department, "I appreciate your influence in our department and in our city, it's well-deserving."

Following this, the council recognized the Millcreek Volunteer of the Year award for 2025. Kristy Ghimire Parajuli serves as Millcreek's Education Coordinator, and she was in attendance to present the award and talk about its recipient, Kathy Lemieux. Parajuli explained that Lemieux works to supervise a class of children under 5 and has taught lessons, donated toys and worked with children across different backgrounds. Her work allows many of the parents and guardians of the children to attend English Second Language (ESL) classes, making Lemieux not only a positive mentor for children, but someone serving entire families in the Millcreek community.

Parajuli expressed her appreciation for Lemieux, lightly adding, "I don't know how many thank yous I could give Kathy." Lemieux was present to accept the honor, and said, "Thank you for the recognition, but thank you for letting me be a part of something that is so amazing." 

Jackson thanked Lemieux for her work and emphasized the value of the community coming together in this way to support families and children. "All of the great work and the programs that we do could not be done without volunteer service provided by our community," emphasizing that when members of the community come together, the entire city gets tools to thrive.

Millcreek Unified Police Precinct Chief Christine Petty-Brown honors Officer Anthony Crawford as the 2025 Officer of the Year for the Millcreek precinct. (Photo Millcreek City Council)