Community Hero Awards
The Community Hero recognition honors those who go above and beyond to strengthen the heart of the Claysville Area. It is a celebration of the selflessness, dedication, and neighborhood pride that defines our historic area, ensuring that those who inspire us most receive the appreciation they truly deserve.
Honorees
Brad Simms
o Brad Simms is the very definition of a community hero. Throughout his life, he has dedicated himself to serving others, through public safety, healthcare, and his involvement in the community.
o Brad has literally saved hundreds of lives and trained many others to do the same.
o As the former Chief of the Claysville Volunteer Fire Department, he led with integrity and courage, keeping residents safe and inspiring younger volunteers to serve.
o As the EMT since graduating from High School, Brad often sees many of us during our most difficult and vulnerable times, and yet he administers life-saving treatment with professionalism and care.
o From a recent 2020 O-R article that featured Brad, he was quoted as saying, ““The work we do matters because it impacts people. At the time, whether their house is on fire, or they’ve been in a car wreck, or they’re sick; it’s the most important thing – and it’s a moment in time they’ll never forget. Everyone has a story.”
o Brad was one of the original members of the Washington County Haz-Mat Team, and as Claysville Borough’s emergency management coordinator, he ensures that Claysville remains protected during emergencies.
o Beyond public safety, Brad’s compassion extends into healthcare, having worked for 42 years at Ohio Valley Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist and Safety Coordinator.
- His work there directly improved patient outcomes and set a standard for hospital safety.
o Brad also served families at Heinrich Funeral Home, offering comfort to families during their most difficult times.
o His service as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman and active membership in the American Legion Hunt-Kennedy Post 639 continue his lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans and fostering community spirit.
o In addition to his service and professional work, Brad used to work as a radio announcer for radio station, and is also a well-known local DJ.
- Through weddings, community events, and celebrations, he helps bring people together and adds joy to important moments in the lives of those around him.
o His presence in the community is one of steady dedication, care, and connection.
o Brad’s compassion, leadership, and willingness to step up wherever help is needed have made a lasting impact on countless lives.
o Brad’s work ethic, integrity, and selflessness truly make him a role model and an inspiration to all who know him.
- From that same O-R article, his granddaughter Brooke, backed this up by saying: “My grandfather has been my role model for my whole life. He’s honestly the most giving man. He will do anything for anybody. He’s one of the most caring people that you’ll ever meet, but he doesn’t want any attention or get any credit for it.”
Thank you Brad (and wife Susan) for being a model of service, dedication, and sacrifice on behalf of our community - one that has been passed down to many of his children and grandchildren!
John Hunter
o Before highlighting John's community service, let's first celebrate that John and his wife, Judy, recently celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary! What an amazing accomplishment!
o As evidenced by this love story, family and community are everything to John. He has never done anything for his own praise or recognition.
o In his youth, John was a member of 4-H, and later, became a leader for the West Alexander Ag 4H Club.
o For over 60 years, he helped hundreds of youth grow in their love and talent for agriculture, and to his credit, many of these former “kids” are now 4H leaders or part of leading the West Alex Fair themselves.
o John has been a life-long member of the West Alexander Presbyterian Church (faithfully singing in the choir and serving others in the congregation, including the Annual Turkey Dinner).
o He’s been part of Washington County 4H, and the Washington County Conservation Board for decades, advocating for the conservation of the land we live on.
o John and Judy are compassionate – sharing a helping hand or financial assistance for those in need.
- One father stated, after his son was killed, “John Hunter was at my door before most others knew of our loss.”
- John and Judy never let their own life struggles hinder them from helping others.
- Most recently, John was one of many instrumental in coordinating the fair’s involvement in the flood relief across the WV border.
o John is probably best known for his leadership and involvement with the West Alexander Fair.
- This West Alexander Fair, one of the crown jewels of our region, has been growing for years under his leadership.
- John supported the implementation and continuation of the Got Ag? Day at the Fair, introducing elementary students to agriculture and horticulture.
- He worked with the Washington County Tourism Agency to promote visitors outside of Washington County coming to our region.
- Through his leadership, the West Alexander Fair has touched hundreds of thousands of people over the years, providing a venue to promote the farming industry and strengthen community relationships.
o John leads by example. He would never ask anything of someone that he wouldn’t do himself, and as a result, many follow his lead.
o John believes it is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and future generations. . .
. . . And for that, we honor John with this Community Hero Award!
Thank you John (and Judy) for being a beautiful example of service, dedication, and sacrificial giving on behalf of our community!
Jay Dutton
o Jay Dutton is one of the most humble men you will ever meet, but that won't stop us from shining the light on all he's done for our community.
o Jay served as a District Magistrate for 24 years and 4 years as a senior judge. In this position, he not only met out justice when it was needed, he used measured authority to solve many situations out of court.
o Jay has volunteered for countless organizations, too many to mention, but here are a few:
- He’s been a life-long member of the Claysville Christian Church, where he’s served in numerous leadership positions.
- He’s also been a life-long member of the Claysville Volunteer Fire Department and VFW.
- Jay has served on the CAPRI Board (the Claysville Area Preservation and Revitalization Initiative) for over twenty years, where he has helped advance many projects and raise both public and private funds to see them accomplished. Some of those projects include:
--> The restoration of the old McGuffey SD admin building, which is now the borough building.
--> Numerous enhancements to the community center, such as the new kitchen.
--> Numerous streetscape improvements in downtown Claysville, such as the town clock, multiple murals, and bench seating.
o Jay has also been a part of the Claysville Area Business Association (CABA) for decades, where his leadership and involvement have been instrumental in keeping that organization advancing and growing over the years.
o Jay was also on the original board of the National Pike Trail and has been instrumental in seeing that vision come to fruition.
o Jay embodies the Spirit of this Recognition. He treats everyone, especially young people, with dignity and respect.
- His good friend, Joe Baker, recalls visiting his magistrate’s office with a group of Cub Scouts where he, not only encouraged them, but reminded them that actions have consequences.
- He is an advocate of local youth sports and McGuffey sports teams.
o Most don’t know that he was a player for the Clarion University football team and served in the United States Army.
o When he is not supporting the National Pike Trail efforts (even through his difficult bout with cancer), he can be found on a tractor mowing grass on the trail, at the Claysville Cemetery, or moving snow for his neighbors.
Thank you Jay (and to your wife, Janis) for being a life-long example of service, dedication, and sacrifice on behalf of our community!
Pat (Patty) Brown
o Pat has made an incredibly positive impact on the residents of the Claysville Borough.
o In addition to serving for 45 years on the Borough Council, where she held the position of President for 33 years! She was a dedicated volunteer to many organizations.
o Her leadership guided the borough through many years of growth and change, ensuring local government remained responsive and dedicated to residents' needs.
o She was a leader who felt strongly about working together with other organizations in our community, and she helped to mentor many future leaders.
o In addition to her council work, Patty served on the Claysville-Donegal Water and Sewage Board, overseeing that this essential infrastructure was provided to countless households.
o She also played an active role on the Claysville Playground Association Board, supporting projects that gave local children a safe and welcoming place to play and grow.
o Pat was a compassionate person who always showed kindness and respect to everyone around her.
o Patty's leadership and community spirit could be felt in every corner of Claysville.
o Through her dedication, the borough continued to celebrate cherished traditions such as the Christmas lights and parade, trick or treating, the Halloween Parade for the children, and the Memorial Day parade. Her efforts kept these events thriving year after year, bringing neighbors together and preserving the small-town charm that makes Claysville so special.
o Her passion for community pride and togetherness gave the borough its true hometown feel - one that will continue to shine in her memory.
o Her legacy can be seen in the progress she championed, the relationships she built, her many family members who are also in public service, and the countless lives she touched.
o Her vision and steady leadership helped shape the borough we know today, and her spirit of service continues to inspire everyone who follows in her footsteps.
Thank you Patty for your life of service, dedication, and sacrifice on behalf of our community!
Nominate Your Community Hero
The pulse of Claysville is defined by those who go above and beyond. Help us recognize the quiet strength and remarkable contributions of our neighbors. Submit your nomination and tell us why they deserve to be honored as a Community Hero.