What makes a local government hero?

Every day, local government workers dedicate themselves to making our communities thrive. They keep the lights on, the parks clean, the streets safe, and our cities running smoothly—often without recognition. While they may not wear capes, their unwavering commitment to public service makes them true heroes among us. Missouri LAGERS honors these extraordinary individuals through the Local Government Hero Award, which recognizes a LAGERS member who has gone above and beyond their call of duty to create a lasting, positive impact on their community.

Nominations Open April 1, 2025

Nominations for the 2025 Local Government Hero Award open April 1 and will close April 30 at 11:30 p.m. A committee of LAGERS staff will review all nominations and selects a winner, who will be recognized at LAGERS’ annual meeting in October.

Nominees are evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Consistent willingness to go above and beyond the daily duties of a public servant through their career.
  • Creating a positive impact on their local community.
  • Positively impacting their colleagues, employer, and profession.
  • Bringing distinction to themselves, their employer, or the community they serve through their actions or accomplishments.
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Please be sure to review the Nomination Guidelines for judging criteria!

Click Here To Nominate A Hero

The nomination form works best on a desktop computer.

Past Winners

Tracy Prost

Tracy Prost selected as Missouri LAGERS’ 2024 Local Government Hero

Tracy Prost was named the 2024 award winner for her 42 years of service to the city of Perryville as a city clerk, where she played an instrumental role in improving the city for its citizens and demonstrating exceptional leadership to her colleagues.

“I think that the city clerk’s job is very much in the background, often no one knows they have a city clerk,” Tracy said. “But you’re working with people, you’re helping people, and I love that.”

In her role as city clerk, Tracy worked with the Board of Aldermen to develop meeting agendas and has served in numerous roles for the city, including as legal counsel while reviewing contracts and insurance paperwork to ensure all is in order; city engineer, where she developed and recorded easements and oversaw bid openings; communications director, where she polished speeches for the mayor, as well as proclamations and letters for the city. She also took on the role of training new city administrators throughout her career.

Several of Tracy’s accomplishments include the addition of a park system, miles of walking trails, splash pads, and an accessible playground. She was also instrumental in improving the sewer and water systems. “I’m not by any means the one who’s digging the holes, but I get them what they need to dig the holes,” Tracy said.

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2023 – Jamey McVicker, St. Joseph Fire Department

2022 – Jayne White, Andrew County Health Department

2021 – Dan Burns, Battlefield Fire Protection District

2020 – Darold Donathan, City of Branson

2019 – Brent Mullins, City of Sikeston

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