Since 1895, members of the Marshalltown Elks Lodge #312 have worked to better the lives of their fellow Mashalltonians and others.

The lodge enhanced the tradition by honoring three public servants who put themselves in harm’s way: a Marshalltown fireman, policeman and EMT in ceremonies Saturday night at the lodge in downtown Marshalltown.

Firefighter/EMT Patrick Cornwell of Gladbrook was named “Firefighter of the Year,” Patrol Sgt. Todd Tuttle was honored with “Policeman of the Year” and Tonya Lemire of Grinnell as “EMT of the Year.”

Also honored as “Citizen of the Year” was YSS of Marshall County Executive Director David Hicks of Marshalltown.

There was more. They also acknowledged, with handsome plaques, fellow members Cheryl Jost Kelley with the “Elk Officer of the Year” and Loren Shetler with “Elk of the Year.”

Kelley was honored for her many years of dedication to the lodge, while Shelter was recognized for his volunteerism efforts on behalf of veterans. It was the fourth consecutive year the lodge has made awards. It was open to the public and free-of-charge.

MFD Deputy Fire Chief Curt Raue presented Cornwell with the award on behalf of the Elks.

“Patrick is a valuable member of our team who does a lot of work behind the scenes — such as ensuring street addresses are correct and building designs are up-to-date,” he said.

Cornwell has been with the MFD 18 years but has been a firefighter for 25 years, he said in comments after the event.

He is also a volunteer with the Green Mountain Fire Department. Cornwell said a current priority is ensuring the city’s fire hydrants are in working order.

Tuttle has been with the MPD nearly 22 years. He is a veteran, having served with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Iowa National Guard. He began his law enforcement career in Ottumwa before joining the MPD.

“Todd is a close friend of mine, and I trust his personal and professional judgment implicitly,” said Police Chief Chris Jones, who presented Tuttle his award. “We have competed against each other … Todd has made me a better person and a policeman.”

Jenna White, UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown EMT department manager, said in presenting Lemire’s award that she was a valued and skilled employee who ensured medical and other supplies are on hand, among other skills.

In a brief interview after the event, Lemire said she was humbled by the award and acknowledged the many contributions her colleagues make to the department. Hicks and his not-for-profit agency have taken strong leadership roles for decades in serving homeless youth and others.

In recent years, Hicks and colleagues have worked closely with the MPD to establish a successful program known as MPACT — the Marshalltown Police and Community Team — where social workers accompany MPD officers on certain calls.

The initiative allows officers to focus on law enforcement duties and directs individuals to appropriate agencies for temporary shelter and mental health counseling among other needs.

YSS’s office on East State Street was completely destroyed in the 2018 tornado, but staff continued serving clients from Hicks’ home.

“We had staff working out of our basement,” said Alyson Hicks, David’s spouse, in remarks during the event. “Not one client appointment was missed.”

Later, the not-for-profit organization found a new home at 22 N. Center Street in Marshalltown, the former police station.

Lodge 312 Exalted Ruler David Furr emceed the event. He is in the second year of his term.

“Our club is growing,” he said. “Much of our work goes to serving the homeless and veterans. And we continue to work with our partners Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Triumph Recovery Center both of Marshalltown in serving the needs of youth and others who need help. We were one of three Elks’ lodges nationally to receive a large grant to fund supplies for the homeless.”

This year the lodge donated dictionaries to 21 schools in Marshalltown and around the area. Lodge treasurer Brenda Dye said the MPD, MFD and UPH-M EMT departments selected their awardees.

Lodge members and leadership selected other awardees for Elks awards. A dinner served by Elks members preceded the award event. For more information visit www.elks.org or contact 641-750-9014.