City staff and projects selected for “Best of Salida” by the Mountain Mail

Every year, readers of the Mountain Mail vote for the Best of Salida awards. People, projects, businesses and organizations are selected for their excellence in service to the community. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the awards, and three city staff and one city project were selected as winners. 

Mayor P.T. Wood was chosen for the Best Elected Official award. Wood has been mayor since 2017, and this is his fourth time receiving this award (he also received the award as a council member). He’s lived in Salida for more than 30 years, is a local business owner, and raised his family here. Wood is deeply committed to and believes strongly in the Salida community.

“It is amazing to be recognized by the community in this way, but I think the real credit goes to Council and staff for making me look good!” he said. “Thanks to everyone for the support over the last four years. It has been an exceptional experience serving the City!”

Salida native Alec Coscarella and his partner, K9 officer Sarge, were chosen for the Best Local Law Enforcement Officer award. The two work together to build relationships with Salida residents to make the City a safer, more secure community. 

“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Officer Coscarella. “But this award is for our whole department. There is no one ‘officer of the year.’ I work with men and women who continually put others before themselves. We strive for excellence in every interaction we have with the public. Our community is fortunate for the department Chief Johnson, Lieutenant Blades and Lieutenant Martellaro have built.”

Assistant Fire Chief Kathy Rohrich was selected as Best Local Firefighter. Rohrich has been a part of the Salida Fire Department since 2006 and is slated to fill the shoes of current fire chief Doug Bess when he retires. This is her first time receiving the award.

“I just want to thank the citizens of Salida for recognizing me for this award. I am honored and humbled to receive it,” she said. “I am so glad to be a part of the team at Salida Fire Department. With the reception of this award, I’m realizing my goal of giving back to the community I was born and raised in.”

The Centennial Park renovation and new skatepark, implemented by the Salida Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments, were selected as the Best Town Improvement. The new recreational opportunities the park provides have proven to be a very popular town attraction for residents and visitors.