Dover employees honored for lifesaving actions

Two Dover employees were recognized for their quick actions in saving a co-worker’s life during the March 16 City Council meeting.

Council passed Resolution 8-26 honoring the employees for providing lifesaving care to Aiden Barrett, who slipped and fell on ice while on break with other General Services Department employees. Barrett was unresponsive and had food obstructing his airway.

“Without hesitation, they stepped in to assess the situation and take action, including calling 911, clearing his throat and performing CPR until help arrived,” Mayor Shane Gunnoe said. “Moments like this remind us of the dedication that our employees bring to their jobs every day. We are honored to present a resolution as a formal recognition of their selfless, heroic actions.”

Barrett’s mother, Jessica Barrett, became emotional during the meeting as she recalled learning about the incident while hospitalized in Cleveland.

“I found out everything while I was in the hospital, and I wasn’t able to be there with him. I’ll be grateful to these guys forever,” she said. “I told them, ‘Thanks for saving my boy.’”

Aiden Barrett said he suffered no lasting effects and missed only two days of work before returning.

“I thank God every day for them, that they were there when I needed them,” he said.

Those involved encouraged others to learn CPR.

“I took a CPR class at my church and was certified,” Ladrach said. “Then my wife is a nurse, so every year I do formal training just to keep up on my CPR.”

Ferrell said he first learned CPR in school and later through a city-sponsored class.

“I’m glad it’s taught, and I think everybody needs to know how to do it,” he said.

“You never think that’s going to happen to you, but when it does, it comes out of nowhere,” Barrett added. “Thank God that people know how to do it and that these guys were around.”

Council also passed Resolution 7-26 thanking retired Dover Police Detective Jason Peters for his service. Peters attended the meeting.

In his report, Gunnoe thanked city employees for their response to the March 13 windstorm, which left about 450 homes without power, blocked approximately 15 streets with fallen trees and resulted in numerous emergency calls due to downed power lines.

Gunnoe also announced the sale of excess National Guard Armory property on Ohio Avenue.

The highest bidder was Aldi with a bid of $1,025,000 for the 1.7-acre property. Aldi representatives stated they plan to begin development on the parcel as soon as possible and are actively looking to partner with other commercial businesses on the lot.

Proceeds from the sale will go to the Ohio National Guard.

The city planning commission also approved a lot split request by Zimmer Biomet to sell one acre along Ohio Avenue and Guy Smith Way to local businessman Don Kennedy.

“Mr. Kennedy plans to purchase this parcel and market it for future quick-serve commercial business,” Gunnoe said.

Council approved the city’s permanent budget for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, with total appropriations of $75,211,879.01.

The project list includes 45 items, though some are not funded for 2026. Funded projects include alley paving at $25,000; street paving at $975,000, with a $10,508 encumbrance from 2025; and Canal Dover Park riverfront improvements at $415,000. Additional projects include Memorial Hall upgrades, field improvements, pool repairs and a picnic shelter.

The city is accepting sealed bids for two projects. Proposals for new asphalt walking paths at Canal Dover Park are due by 10 a.m. March 31. Proposals for construction of a splash pad at Dover City Park are due by 10 a.m. April 7.

The city’s compost site will reopen April 1 for Dover residents. Location and hours are available on the city’s website and Facebook page.

The next Dover City Council meeting will be held April 6 in council chambers at 121 E. Second St.