Former Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank was honored at the Warsaw Common Council meeting.

WARSAW — A very special recognition was made at the beginning of the Warsaw Common Council meeting held Monday, Aug. 21. Former Mayor Jeff Plank is moving to St. John to be closer to family members. Before he moved away, city employees wanted to honor him for all his hard work and dedication to Warsaw.

Plank was mayor in Warsaw from 1984 to 1997. During that time he made a lot of improvements in the Warsaw community including creating the Legacy TIF District, which helped develop Central Park, City Hall and the whole downtown area. He also implemented the D.A.R.E Program, underwater rescue with the Warsaw Police Department, Hazmat program, Residential Smoke Alarm Program and much more.

“There is no better example of someone who treated his community as it should be treated and had the vision to do things to make it a better community,” said current Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer while thanking Plank. “We wish Jeff and Jodean all the best as they move up U.S. 30 a bit.”

Andrew, one of Plank’s sons who currently lives in Switzerland, sent the city a letter to be read at the meeting regarding his father. “I wish I could be there in person to see you, recognize your leadership and join in your farewell celebration,” the letter read. “You went all in on the City of Warsaw. You gave your all for the city and its people. You were fully vested as mayor.”

Plank was invited to say a few words at the meeting. “Some of the best years of my life were spent in service to the city, there’s no question about that,” he said. “The bottom line is I love getting close to the people. The closer governments get to the people, the more you hear. The more you hear, the better we get. The stronger we get as a community. I guarantee it.”

“Thank you for honoring me tonight. It’s been a pleasure to be a resident of this city,” continued Plank. “We’ve enjoyed this community and we are sad to leave. But we are never really going to leave Warsaw, it’s really not a possible thing to do.”

A reception was held for family and friends of Plank before the council meeting.

Former Mayor Jeff Plank, left, is thanked for his service by current Mayor Joseph Thallemer.