The Noblesville Common Council recognized Public Safety Director Chad Knecht as the 2020 Stake in the Ground honoree at its meeting Tuesday night. During the past year, Knecht oversaw the Noblesville police and fire departments, and managed traditional public safety issues, mental health care and community partnerships.
“Everything has been different in 2020. In the past I don’t think we would have always needed or thought of what a public safety director would do,” Councilman Mark Boice said. “Between COVID-19, national rioting and other challenges we have faced, I think all of us in this room and all of us in this community can be very thankful we are safe here in Noblesville and Chad Knecht has done a phenomenal job keeping us that way and keeping us as COVID-19 free and as safe as we can be.”
Knecht began working for Noblesville this year in the newly created position to better assist the city’s growth and rapidly evolving national trends in the public safety challenges.
“I’m honored, but I’ve had the easier job as I’ve tried to shepherd the efforts,” Knecht said. “The men and women in uniform who are out daily serving, protecting and facing the dangers in our community. This truly is a team effort – and a team award. I’m very proud of them and the work they’ve done and continue to do.”
The “Stake in the Ground” Award is designed to recognize city employees – at the director level – who go above and beyond their roles to make Noblesville a better community. Each councilor makes a nomination and then all members vote on the award anonymously.