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rescued from the flood while Eckelberry worked alongside many others to rescue others and ensure the safety of the residents impacted by the flooding . Eckelberry was honored by the West Lafayette Chamber to be named Citizen of the Year for the work he did during this event .

When he isn ’ t serving the West Lafayette community , Eckelberry serves on the board of Operation Veterans Helping Veterans , which he describes as a great organization . “ We ’ ve helped a lot of veterans and veteran families for the holidays ,” he said .

When he was selected by Chief Walters to participate in Leadership Coshocton County Class of 2025 , Eckelberry said , “ I was a little hesitant but have come to enjoy the class and have learned new things about myself . I believe

I will learn new skills I can utilize in my career for the future and build community relations with the other members of our class . The retreat was an eye-opener , and it showed me I have to get out of the comfort zone that I built for myself .”

As he transitions from captain to chief in the coming months , Eckelberry plans to use some of the skills he ’ s learned to lead his department .

When asked his view of the community , Eckelberry said , “ We have a great community where people are willing to help people , and I like being a part of that . We ’ re one big family . When the flood happened , I saw a side of the community I ’ d never seen , people going around and helping others . The village is growing with the addition of businesses , and that is important for the village and our community to grow .”

He said more people helping people is one way to make the country stronger . “ The county as a whole coming together to help neighbors , job growth and more industry or businesses will also make the country stronger . I don ’ t know what industry we need , but it is important for the county ,” he said .

Eckelberry would recommend LCC for others . “ I believe Leadership Coshocton County is something anyone who is in or plans on being in a leadership position should attend ,” he said . “ It will help you to define yourself and refine your leadership skills .”

Eckelberry is married to Teressa K . Eckelberry and has been married for 34 years . They have five children — John Wayne Glaister , Destiney Uebel , Jake Eckelberry , Kacia Eckelberry and Kannin Eckelberry — and six grandchildren .

Submitted

The Meat Feast Fundraiser on Oct . 19 was attended by 412 guests . Guests had eight different kinds of all-you-can-eat meat and were seated on the building pad for Chili Crossroad ’ s new building , a multipurpose building that will be used for preschool , the youth literacy center , school , church and the recovery program . Additional gifts are welcome at www . chilicrossroads . org / give or by mailing them to Chili Crossroads , 23247 County Road 621 , Coshocton , OH 43812 .