Each year the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Awards program recognizes outstanding individuals who devote their time, energy and talents to making this town a better place.
This year was no exception as the chamber last week honored retired Oxford Fire Chief Jack LeRoy as Citizen of the Year; The Red Tag Store as New Business of the Year; and bestowed the Community Enhancement Award on The Coffee News, owned and operated by Martha Bergquist.
Anyone even remotely familiar with LeRoy’s 37-year career serving Oxford isn’t surprised by his selection for this coveted award.
‘I’m honored and I thank them,? LeRoy said. ‘It really took me by surprise. I didn’t have any idea. It leaves me speechless, which is hard for me.?
When asked what this award means to him, LeRoy replied, ‘I guess it means a lot of people think a lot of me . . . I’ve had department commodations and things before, but this is the first time the community has commended me for something.?
From 1971 to September 1994, LeRoy served with the Oxford Police Department, spending the last 7? as chief. He took over as the full-time fire chief in October 1994 ? after having worked as a paid-on-call firefighter since 1983 ? and headed the department until Oct. 31 of this year.
Who knows how many countless family meals were interrupted, school events missed and projects around the home delayed as LeRoy responded to emergency calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Looking at the fire department before and after LeRoy’s administration is a testament to his dedication and foresight.
‘He has been tireless in his pursuit to improve our community fire department for the citizens of Oxford,? wrote resident Rick Laidler, who nominated LeRoy for the award.
When LeRoy took over as fire chief, there were no full-time employees (other than himself), the fire station was a cramped steel pole barn and the department could only offer basic emergency medical care.
Fourteen years later, the department has two modern stations, 14 full-time firefighters (including the chief), 15 pieces of equipment and offers Advanced Life Support services.
It’s also no surprise The Red Tag Store (10 N. Washington St.) got tapped for New Business of the Year given it finally brought high quality, yet affordable clothing back to the downtown shopping district after a long absence.
‘We were very excited and honored,? said Dave Peterson, who co-owns the store with his wife, Theresa. ‘It was definitely a good thing.?
Red Tag offers rack after rack of name-brand and designer apparel for women and men, all discounted at least 50 percent or more off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
To Peterson, winning this award ‘means that we’re providing a good product to the people of Oxford, Lapeer and Lake Orion.?
‘People are realizing the deals they’re getting are really one of a kind,? he said.
Since opening back in April, Peterson said the response from the public has been ‘spectacular.?
Red Tag’s had to expand its square-footage three times over the past eight months to accommodate its growing inventory and keep pace with customer demand.
In these rough economic times, Peterson said customers now more than ever appreciate a good value.
People also appreciate the value of good news and that’s why the chamber chose to honor the Coffee News, a free weekly publication featuring local advertisements, upbeat stories, quotes, trivia, horoscopes, fun facts and briefs about upcoming local events in and around the area.
‘It’s distributed to restaurants, coffee shops, waiting areas and five or six schools in Lake Orion,? said Bergquist, who’s owned the publication for a year-and-a-half. ‘I have 99 sites between Lake Orion and Oxford.?
After working as an X-ray technologist for 22 years, Bergquist decided she wanted to do something different.
Winning this community award is the icing on the cake for her career change.
‘I am very honored,? Bergquist said. ‘It means that all my hard work has paid off.?