The Charleston City Council honored police officers from the Charleston Police Department and the University Police Department and approved all action items on Tuesday.

The officers were honored for their life-saving actions on Feb. 16. They were called to the Charleston Walmart after man was found asleep at the wheel in the parking lot and came to the realization the man was overdosing on opioids.

The policemen, one sergeant and two officers from CPD and two officers from UPD, then engaged in measures that saved the man’s life.

Sergeant Brian Hissong, Officer Aaron Gullion and Officer Dan Hale, all of CPD, and Officer Colton Whitley and Officer Benjamin de Buhr of UPD were the officers honored.

Mayor Brandon Combs said it was a privilege to recognize the policemen.

“I’ve said this many times since I’ve been mayor, both publicly and privately, but we are very blessed to have such a good working relationship between the two departments,” Combs said. “Chief Martin and Chief Reed work together really well, and as you can see, their officers work together really well.”

Combs also spoke the safety of the city.

“If it comes down to saving someone’s life they’ll do whatever it takes,” Combs said. “I appreciated all of (their) hard work, and I’m very proud of (them).”

The council approved the conceptual plan for a new Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Hospital Outpatient Department Surgery Center Building.

Dennis Pluard, CFO and Vice President of Operations at SBLHC, said construction is expected to begin soon, and the building should be complete in May of 2020.

The one-story building will be approximately 18,434 square feet.

Combs said the SBLHC addition would be good for Charleston. 

“This is a huge project, and I’m very excited about it,” said Combs.

A resolution for a sponsorship from the City of Charleston for Ride Illinois, a nonprofit organization for improving bicycling conditions around the state, was also approved.

According to the resolution, the city “wishes to sponsor an event with Ride Illinois in order to promote tourism and the City’s many attractions and businesses.”

According to Combs, the event is currently expecting approximately 240 bike riders to attend.

The council also approved permanent utility easements for 2509 Terrance Lane, 2515 Terrance Lane and 2521 Terrance Lane.

Combs proclaimed March 10-16 as 2019 Girl Scout Week.

The proclamation said “throughout its long and distinguished history, Girl Scouting has inspired millions of girls and women with the highest ideals of character, conduct and patriotism.”

Corryn Brock can be reached at 581-2812 or at cebrock@eiu.edu.