Richard Amsler

PARKER — A lifetime resident said he was just doing the right thing by keeping his neighbors’ driveways snow-free this winter.

But his community took notice of this and his other actions and named Richard Amsler as the City of Parker’s Citizen of the Year for 2014 at a surprise party March 29.

According to a news release from Mayor William McCall, Amsler received the award for his longtime involvement with the city council and other city committees, Butler County’s Team 300 water rescue group and his 30 years of continuing service with the Parker City Volunteer Fire Department, of which he is the chief.

McCall said despite his full schedule, Amsler, who also works full time at Joy Mining Machinery in Franklin, makes an effort to help his neighbors.

“It’s more of a thank you than anything else,” McCall said. “He’s just very active in the community, and he volunteers hundreds and hundreds of hours a year. If anybody in town deserved it, it’s him.”

In recognition of his service, Amsler received a plaque and citations from state Rep. Donna Oberlander and state Sen. Don White.

Amsler said he was surprised and humbled to receive this honor, and he encourages parents to get their children involved in their communities.

“Even if it’s not the fire department; if it’s the Boy Scouts or baseball or the church, anything,” Amsler said. “To get them to volunteer their time. It just makes your community better.”