09/04/2026
College Township Council recognizes that the safety and well-being of the community is strengthened by employees who demonstrate exceptional initiative, courage, and dedication to public service.
On August 14, 2026, while performing their assigned duties in Mountainside Park, Public Works employees Hunter Shawver and Greg Gummo observed smoke emanating from a nearby property on Matilda Avenue. Recognizing the potential danger, Mr. Shawver and Mr. Gummo immediately left their work area and proceeded to the scene, where they discovered a lawn tractor fully engulfed in flames adjacent to a garage, with the fire beginning to spread to the structure.
Mr. Gummo immediately contacted 911 and provided emergency personnel with notification of the fire, while Mr. Shawver located a nearby garden hose and, without hesitation, began actively fighting the fire. Through their prompt actions, sound judgment, teamwork, and willingness to place themselves in harm's way, Mr. Shawver and Mr. Gummo substantially knocked down the fire and helped prevent its further spread while awaiting the arrival of emergency responders.
Upon their arrival, firefighters from Alpha Fire Company recognized the significant assistance provided by Mr. Shawver and Mr. Gummo and indicated that, without their immediate intervention, the incident could have had a much different and substantially more serious outcome, including potentially significant damage to the garage and surrounding property.
The actions of Mr. Shawver and Mr. Gummo exemplify the highest ideals of municipal service and demonstrate that the responsibilities of a public employee extend beyond the ordinary performance of assigned duties when the safety of residents and protection of property are at stake.
