Dedication: Brachbill honored for years of service on Bellefonte Boro Council
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Outgoing Bellefonte Borough Council member Randy Brachbill, left, received a certificate from the Pennsylvania General Assembly, presented by State Representative Kerry Benninghoff during Monday night's borough council meeting.
BELLEFONTE -- After over a decade of service to Bellefonte Borough, outgoing councilmember, Randy Brachbill, was treated to multiple honors before he retires to the shores of Myrtle Beach.
Brachbill, who has served on borough council and its planning commission over 14 and a half years, was first spotlighted by State Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) during council's meeting on Monday night.
"I thought it was only appropriate to honor one of our own as Randy will be moving onto some more fun in his life," Benninghoff said. "I wanted to come not only as your state representative but as a friend."
Benninghoff presented Brachbill with a citation on behalf of the General Assembly along with a Pennsylvania state flag which was flown over the capital on Tuesday, June 2, at 3:55 p.m.
"I figured if you were leaving the state I wanted to make sure you didn't forget us, so there ya have it," he said. "You can fly it proudly."
Benninghoff also presented Brachbill with an official America250PA Christmas ornament.
"I thought for Christmas it would be fun, if you're not flying your flag, you can put this on the tree and remember your friends and people of Pennsylvania," he said.
Before Brachbill could return to his seat, Council President Doug Johnson stopped him in his tracks.
"This is like Christmas Eve for you," Johnson joked.
Johnson noted he and Brachbill began working together on the planning commission before he left for his role on council.
"Randy moved onto borough council and I followed his footprints. He's been a mentor to me. Like I've said before Randy, we didn't always agree on things but... we always resolved those issues we had," he said.
Johnson invited every member of council to stand with him as he presented Brachbill with an award for his years of "dedicated service to the residence of Bellefonte Borough, your leadership, your commitment and dedication, strengthening our community (which) have made a lasting impact and will be remembered with gratitude."
Following the presentation, Brachbill offered a few words of thanks.
"I thank you for your kind words and, after being involved since 2014, things have changed fast. Councilmembers, I thank you for working together and doing what is right for the west, the north and the south residents," he said. "I feel that the good comes from what happens, what we do, through our lifetimes."
Following his remarks, Johnson received a standing ovation from members of council and those in attendance of Monday night's meeting.