NORWICH — The City of Norwich Common Council presented their annual award to community member Luke Murphy during their monthly meeting last night.

Murphy has served the community and it's residents for several years through his work with various boards and organizations. Currently, he serves on the Business Improvement District (BID) board and is the Chenango Foundation Representative for Commerce Chenango.

Alderman Matthew Caldwell said to list Murphy's services to the community would be "too many to count," and that "if there's an organization or board around here in this area, he has somehow touched it in one way or another in a very impactful way."

"He has served on numerous boards in a lot of capacities. He volunteered his time and talent to a lot of events and organizations, and has for many, many years," he added. "He's really the hub for a lot of very successful events and organizations because of his leadership style, his experience, and his willingness to donate his time and talent."

The award from the common council is given out during the last common council meeting of the year, and is meant to be a way to recognize remarkable members of the community. Caldwell said Murphy was a clear choice because of his impactful work and dedication to the area.

"I think Luke's probably Mr. Norwich. Your dedication to our community is outstanding. Luke has given his time and talent in ways that most people would probably never know, because he does it behind the scenes. He's an outstanding organizer and leader, and he also jumps in and gets his hands dirty," he said. "You don't really get the credit you deserve, and when your name came to mind for me, I knew you were truly the right person."

This year's award has been named the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Caldwell, who said lifetime achievement is not meant to be measured in number of years, but by the effort and care put in to one's accomplishments.

Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri read a proclamation during the meeting as well, thanking Murphy for his many years of hard work to better the City of Norwich and its residents.

"Whereas lifetime achievement shall not be measured solely by the duration or number of one's contributions, but also by the quality and passion of one's commitment. And whereas selfless contributions of time and talent is the most generous and lasting gift to one's community," read Sastri. "And whereas Mr. Luke Murphy has volunteered his time, talent, and personal style to countless community projects, organizations, and events that benefit the City of Norwich, New York. And whereas his ambition [and] leadership inspires others to be good community stewards, and whereas significant and substantial positive impact on community shall be recognized with appreciation and gratitude."

Murphy's family members also attended the ceremony, and all attendees showed their appreciation for his efforts through a standing ovation. He thanked council members for the award, and credited his desire to help others to his parents.

"Norwich is a very, very special community, no matter what age you are, or no matter if you were raised here or if you should come here and live here," said Murphy. "I just want to say, I am the person I am because of my dear, sweet mommy and daddy ... They always taught us, just do the right thing. You know, you do the right thing, everything will work out. And it's right. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this award."