City of St. Louis Announces Finalists For Inaugural Excellence In Public Service Awards

The City of St. Louis has announced the finalists for the inaugural Excellence in Public Service Awards, a new annual program honoring the dedication and outstanding contributions of the City's more than 3,000 civil service employees. Recipients will be recognized at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Rotunda at City Hall.

Co-hosted by Mayor Cara Spencer and Director of Personnel Brian Light, the awards establish the City's first centralized, formal employee recognition program. Department heads, appointing authorities, and managers across City government were invited to submit nominations, and finalists were selected in six categories spanning field operations, administrative support, emergency response, community service, innovation, and early-career achievement.

"Over 3,000 civil servants keep St. Louis running every day," said Brian Light, Director of Personnel. "Establishing a permanent annual tradition like this allows us to highlight the exceptional talent across our departments, from frontline crews to behind-the-scenes staff, who make a difference in our city every single day."

The evening's program will feature performances by students from Central Visual & Performing Arts High School, a presentation of colors by the Sumner High School JROTC, and remarks by City of St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Anderson. The ceremony will conclude with the announcement of the Mayor's Choice Award, the premier honor of the evening, selected by Mayor Spencer.

"We are cultivating a culture of excellence and that includes recognizing employees who are going above and beyond to serve our City," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "I cannot wait to celebrate these honorees!"

City employees, their families, members of the media, and the public are invited to attend.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (rescheduled from October 8)
• Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Location: The Rotunda at City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
• Admission: Open to all City employees, families, and members of the public
• Parking: Free parking at City Hall is available to all attendees

2026 Excellence in Public Service Awards Finalists

Frontline & Trades Hero Award
Honoring field, maintenance, and trades personnel

• Jerry Buettner, Equipment Services Division, Board of Public Service
• Nathan Schmittgens, Equipment Services Division, Board of Public Service
• Damond Wiley, Forestry Division

Behind-the-Scenes Hero Award
Recognizing administrative, IT, legal, and financial support staff

• Anastasia Luettecke, St. Louis Fire Department
• Erin McGowan, City Counselor's Office
• Jeffery Scott, St. Louis Fire Department

Resilience & Emergency Response Award
Celebrating exceptional service during crises and severe weather events

• Deputy Fire Chief Michael Arras, St. Louis Fire Department
• Kristen Capps-Jones, City Emergency Management Agency
• Engine Company 28 and Rescue Squad 2, St. Louis Fire Department

Gateway Public Service Award
Highlighting resident-facing and community-centered service

• Bretton DeLaria, Department of Public Safety
• Captain Garon Mosby, St. Louis Fire Department
• Bob Ray, Soulard Market, Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Innovation & Efficiency Award
Honoring process modernization, operational improvements, and cost savings

• Elizabeth Dasenbrock, Forestry Division
• Kurtis Michelfelder, Water Division
• Deputy Fire Chief Derrick Phillips, St. Louis Fire Department

Civil Service Rising Star Award
Recognizing exceptional early-career talent with fewer than five years of municipal service

• Bretton DeLaria, Department of Public Safety
• Kate Eckelkamp, Neighborhood Stabilization Division
• Max Magee, Neighborhood Stabilization Division

Mayor's Choice Award
The premier honor of the evening, awarded for overall excellence in public service. The recipient, selected by Mayor Spencer, will be announced at the ceremony.