Two borough employees received recognition this week in front of the Petersburg borough assembly.

Police sergeant Jim Kerr revived two people found not breathing in separate drug-related incidents on October 28th of last year and January 8th of this year.

Sergeant Jim Kerr, left, is honored for two life saving efforts by Petersburg Police Chief Kelly Swihart.

Sergeant Jim Kerr, left, is honored for two life saving efforts by Petersburg Police Chief Kelly Swihart.

Police chief Kelly Swihart presented a plaque to Kerr at Monday’s assembly meeting. “Sergeant Kerr placed himself at risk by performing rescue breathing on two subjects who were involved in elicit intravenous drug use,” Swihart read. “Both individuals would have likely died had it not been for his quick, decisive and professionally administered action.” Kerr has worked for the Petersburg Police Department for almost two years.

Meanwhile, out-going borough clerk Kathy O’Rear was honored with a plaque presented by Petersburg Pilot newspaper publisher Ron Loesch. “The plaque reads in appreciation to Kathy O’Rear, city clerk and Petersburg borough clerk, August 7, 2000 to March 31, 2015, for professional and exemplary work on behalf of the citizens of this community by maintaining and distributing public information and records in accordance with the Alaskan Open Meetings Act and public record statutes,” Loesch read.

Petersburg Pilot publisher Ron Loesch reads from a plaque he presented to out-going borough clerk Kathy O'Rear Monday.

Petersburg Pilot publisher Ron Loesch reads from a plaque he presented to out-going borough clerk Kathy O’Rear Monday.

O’Rear is retiring at the end of this month. A retirement party is planned for her this Friday March 6 from 4:30-6:30 in borough assembly chambers. Deputy clerk Debbie Thompson was promoted to the clerk’s job and she was sworn in at the start of Monday’s meeting.