In honor of their dedicated service to the Homer community, Mayor Ken Castner recognized South Peninsula Hospital health care workers, as well as former council member Heath Smith during the city council meeting Monday night, and presented Smith and SPH leaders with mayoral recognition plaques.
SPH was recognized for “sailing into harm’s way” during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing to serve the Southern Kenai Peninsula during unprecedented times. Castner recounted the story of Captain John Paul Jones, the Scottish-American naval commander who served in the American Revolutionary War, who willingly sailed directly into battle against British war ships in less than desirable conditions, just as health care workers do each day against COVID-19.
“The City of Homer wishes to express its respect and gratitude to those who have not only delivered first quality health care to our community, but lead the efforts in identification, prevention and treatment of the COVID virus,” Castner read from the recognition plaque. “We cannot provide them with fast ships, but we can support them, cheer them on and appreciate their dedicated willingness to sail into harm’s way.”
The recognition was concluded with a round of applause for all health care workers, and specifically Homer medical professionals. SPH CEO Ryan Smith, Public Information Officer Derotha Ferraro and SPH Infection Prevention Physician Dr. Christy Tuomi were in attendance to accept the plaque.
In addition to SPH, Castner also honored former council member Smith who served from 2015-2021.
“His attendance and service to the citizens of Homer was exemplary,” Castner read from the recognition plaque. “Heath was a dedicated council member.”
Among the many achievements Smith accrued in his time on council, Castner referenced his role in successfully funding and completing construction for the new police station on budget, passing amendments to the election code to improve the efficiency of the election process and his ability to work with other council members amicably.
“He has a strong voice and argued his position with passion, and while he and other council members came to the table with different perspectives, they were able to listen to one another and kindly work together,” Castner read. “The City of Homer is a better place because of the wholehearted work and dedication of council member Heath Smith.”
Castner concluded the recognition by thanking Smith for his service to the community and council and presenting him with the plaque.
Reach reporter Sarah Knapp at sarah.knapp@homernews.com.
Mayor Ken Castner reads a mayoral recognition of former council member Heath Smith for his six years of service to the community. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)
Derotha Ferraro, Dr. Christy Tuomi, Ryan Smith and Ken Castner pose for a photo with South Peninsula Hospital’s mayoral recognition plaque. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)
Mayor Ken Castner thanks South Peninsula Hospital health care workers for their dedicated service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recognition was accepted by Derotha Ferraro, Dr. Christy Tuomi and Ryan Smith. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)
