By Stephen Floyd
Police Chief Mark Daniel said he was shocked when the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce arrived at City Hall to tell him he was being presented with the Distinguished Service Award.
Daniel, who also serves in a dual role as interim city manager, said he didn’t feel deserving, but the chamber insisted and he felt honored.
“This is a very close-knit community, and when they recognize people they truly mean it,” he said.
Daniel will be recognized as part of the return of the Chamber’s annual awards program. The Chamber said Daniel was already making a strong impact as police chief, and even more-so when he became interim city manager last year as the city searches for a long-term candidate.
“Chief Daniel not only stepped up to the role, but he has made tremendous progress with building relationships with our community and businesses, acquiring grants to complete much needed projects and has worked with staff and council to increase morale and overall satisfaction,” the chamber said in its announcement.
Daniel said the return of the awards program was a sign of the community recovering from the pandemic, not just the return of the awards but the innovative new way the chamber is presenting them. Rather than an evening at the Festhalle, the event will be incorporated into The Next Friday, which showcases businesses downtown.
“It’s a bit different from what they’ve done in the past, but change is good and they’re trying new things,” he said.
As far as his noteworthy accomplishments, Daniel said he simply sets high expectations for himself and brings his best effort to a task, even if it means running two city departments.
“I do my job and I do the best that I possibly can every day,” he said.
Daniel added the recognition means even more coming from the people he serves and cares for.
