Mayor honors Dawson family for firefighter Matt Dawson’s service and sacrifice

Mayor presented a special recognition to the family of firefighter Matt Dawson on March 19, 2024, naming Chanda Presley, Michael, Cynthia and Connie as recipients and thanking them for their courage after a line‑of‑duty injury that later took his life. The proclamation, signed by the mayor and city council, asked residents to extend thoughts and prayers and to honor the legacy Matt left behind.

Why it matters: The recognition publicizes the city's formal gratitude for a local first responder who faced catastrophic injury in the line of duty, acknowledges the Dawson family's ongoing bereavement and signals community support for firefighters and their families.

At the ceremony the mayor said, “you can never say thank you to people that have given back or done incredible things,” and praised the Dawson family’s “strength during this tragic time.” The mayor read the proclamation text noting Matt was “an exemplary husband, father, son, friend and firefighter” and that the city is “proud of the legacy that Matt left behind.”

No formal city action or vote followed the presentation; it was a ceremonial proclamation intended to recognize service and loss. The recognition is dated March 19, 2024, and the mayor invited citizens to offer support and condolences to the family.

The mayor was the sole council speaker during the presentation; family members accepted the recognition onstage and were acknowledged by the council.