Jill Cicco smiles at her husband, Frank Cicco Jr., as he is recognized for his volunteer service at the Butler YMCA during the organization’s annual meeting Tuesday, May 16, at The Atrium in Franklin Township. Eddie Trizzino/Butler Eagle

FRANKLIN TWP — Frank Cicco Jr. has put in more than 13,000 hours in 17 years at the Butler YMCA, and wouldn’t take a dime for any of them.

Sandra Ihlenfeld, executive director of the Butler YMCA, said she has tried to pay Cicco many times over the years, but he has always refused payment.

Cicco’s dedication to the aquatics programs at the YMCA and his impact on the children, combined with his humble nature are what made him the perfect choice for Volunteer of the Year, Ihlenfeld said.

“He’ll do whatever needs to be done working-wise, he attends all of our events; he has earned a place as Volunteer of the Year,” she said Tuesday, May 16, at the Butler County Family YMCA’s annual meeting. “More than once I said, ‘Frank, why don’t we just add you to the payroll?’ He always responds by saying, ‘Nah, I just like helping the kids.’”