Gilford Selectboard honors employee, pair of volunteers for dedicated service

GILFORD — Three residents were honored by the selectboard for their dedicated service to the town, from employment to volunteer work on committees.

Kim Horan has worked for the town for 40 years, with 30 in the police department as a technical assistant. Selectboard Chair Chan Eddy presented her with a certificate and floral arrangement at the meeting on July 22.

“Kim, this is in appreciation for the 40 years you’ve put into the town,” Eddy said.

“I’m surprised you haven’t run away screaming in disgust after all these years, but you’ve stuck it out, and we greatly appreciate the work that you have done for the town,” Eddy joked.

Chief Dustin Parent snapped a couple photos to post to social media, explaining to the public how much Horan has meant to the department over her years of service.

“Kim, we probably don’t say it nearly enough, but we would be lost (and with many forgotten passwords) without you and we appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to the Town of Gilford but especially to our department,” reads a Gilford Police post on Facebook on Wednesday, accompanying Parent’s picture.

The next two dedications were for volunteers who are hanging up the cleats after serving the town in a variety of ways.

Richard Grenier called up Bill Knightly, who recently retired from the Gilford Zoning Board of Adjustment after 15 years.

“The more I thought about it, as we all love all our committees and the effort put in by citizen volunteers, I couldn’t help but think, having been on the ZBA myself, how many decisions you were involved in in 15 years,” Grenier said. “It’s got to be hundreds, if not over 1,000. You’ve had an impact on your community.”

Grenier gave Knightly a keychain with the coordinates of Gilford, so he can always find his way back home.

Eddy presented Thomas Francoeur with a certificate of appreciation following resignation from the town’s recreation commission. He was also honored for his time as a library trustee, supervisor of the checklist, and work with Gilford Got Lunch.

“The time you have spent helping our community is greatly appreciated,” Eddy said.

Francoeur thanked Town Administrator Scott Dunn, who is approaching retirement and was finishing his penultimate meeting.

“Your help, your diligence, your input,” Francoeur said. “I didn’t always agree with you, but it was nice to hear input all the time, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for Gilford.”