Acton honors firefighter Charles Donegan and assistant planner Nathaniel Ryan with Lally awards

Town Manager John Manjurati presented the Joseph A. Lally Merit Awards at the second night of Acton’s annual Town Meeting, naming firefighter EMT Charles Donegan as Public Safety Employee of the Year and Assistant Planner Nathaniel Ryan as Municipal Employee of the Year. Manjurati credited Donegan with leading research and procurement of new PFAS-3 turnout gear to better protect department members and described Ryan’s role managing planning work during staff transitions and preparing zoning articles for the meeting.

Donegan said the recognition was appreciated and thanked the chief, the deputy chief and the town manager; he also thanked residents for voting to fund healthier gear. Nathaniel Ryan thanked colleagues including the sustainability director and the planning board chair for guidance while he covered expanded responsibilities.

The presentations were ceremonial and took place at the meeting start before the body moved to warrant business.