Council honors Franks, Smith, and Batten-Johnson

Three were honored at the Red Oak City Council meeting Sept. 18.
Tributes were given to Red Oak fireman Matt Franks and Red Oak police investigator Adam Smith, as well as recognition for Jenn Batten-Johnson. Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius honored Batten-Johnson’s efforts to get the word out on Facebook.
“She created the Red Oak Hidden Gems Facebook page with the whole purpose of setting up a platform to speak positively about the community and create a positive vibe in our community,” Silvius said. “She doesn’t allow negativity on that site and does a great job pointing out assets and people, and aknowledge care and concerns. I’m really proud of what you’re doing.”
Counclperson Jeanice Lester also expressed her appreciation towards Batten-Johnson’s effots.
“It’s really nice to see the positive, because so often, all we hear is the negative,” stated Lester.
Silvius added that all of Batten-Johnson’s work was entirely through volunteering. Batten Johnson said she appreciated the recognition.
“It’s just a pleasure, and I enjoy it. I really love the community. It’s all about having a great attitude and pushing for the change you want to see,” commented Batten-Johnson.
Franks recently retired as a full-time firefighter after 23 years of service, while Adam Smith was leaving the Red Oak Police Department after 18 years, and previously worked as a firefighter before joining the ROPD. Smith is moving to a new position as a firefighter/EMT with the Council Bluffs Fire Department. Silvius had high praise for the two first responders.
“I appreciate their commitment; they put their lives on the line on a regular basis over the years. We really appreciate all you’ve done for us over the years,” stated Silvius.
The pair were to be presented with plaques including the Red Oak leaf, on Red Oak wood. They were also given certificates of gratitude.
Smith praised the people he’s worked with over the two departments during his time in Red Oak.
“I want to thank all of my past and present co-workers, administrators, city staff, and city council members. I appreciate the mayor and city council working on wages so we can compete with other cities and keep everybody around. It’s good for the city of Red Oak, and I appreciate that,” said Smith. “I also want to thank Chief Justin Ramy for all he’s done for me and for the City of Red Oak, and developing a community relations department. I felt that was really important and needed. I also want to thank Chief John Bruce for allowing me to work part time in the fire department here. I appreciate all the opportunities, and everything I’ve learned here I’ll carry on to the next thing I do.”
Franks also expressed his appreciation to Bruce and to the rest of the people he’s worked with on the fire department.
“The crews were with me when I went through my cancer stuff, and my wife. I also want to say that the council and mayor support for the fire department and police department is unreal. I don’t think we’ve ever been told no. As long as we brought things here, the council never said no. That’s impressive. You have a department that everyone else calls for help, There’s a reason for that,” advised Franks.
Franks also highlighted the unique camaraderie between the fire department and the police department.
“We’re buddies here. That doesn’t happen in a lot of places. Some places they’re at each other’s throats. That doesn’t happen here. We all help each other out, and that’s another thing I loved about working here,” said Franks.
Kyra Smith also updated the council on the process of repainting the Red Oak water tower. Initially, plans were to have the project completed by the end of August, but weather had proved difficult.
“We got some really warm temperatures, and the inside water temperature is only 55 degrees. We move one million gallons a day through the tower during the summertime, so there was condensation on the tower from the temperature difference that prevented the paint from being used,” said Kyra Smith. “They are hoping to get the project completed by mid to late October. The primer on the tower is safe, as it didn’t start sweating until after that was painted It’s like a glass of ice water in the hot sun.”