In Colusa, the name Hickel is synonymous with community involvement.
Roger Hickel was recognized by the Colusa City Council last week as the dedicated volunteer and community stalwart he has been for decades.
Mayor Greg Ponciano reinstituted the awarding of a Lifetime Achievement Award, a tradition that had fallen by the wayside in the past decade or so.
“Shortly after the first of the year, I started reading through our ordinances and I started digging through the responsibilities of the mayor and the council, and I found that one of the very few perks of the mayor is that they can nominate someone for the annual Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s something that we haven’t done since I was on the council but I’m hoping it is something we can continue moving forward.”
Hickel was lured to the meeting on the premise of accepting a longevity certificate following his recent retirement as an auxiliary member of the Colusa Fire Department after 28 years.
Instead, Hickel was recognized for a lifetime commitment to the community as a dedicated volunteer in many organizations, including the Knights of Columbus for 39 years.
“(His) commitment and hard work for the betterment of Colusa is a true inspiration and example of community service and pride,” Ponciano said.
As a member of the Fire Department Auxiliary, Hickel was a fixture at crab feeds, pancake breakfasts, and Santa on Wheels.
Ponciano said Hickel has volunteered at community events for so many years that he has become part of the event.
Hickel is the son of Alma and the late James L. Hickel, who was a member of the Colusa Lions Club for 50 years, an honorary lifetime Lions member, and past as president and secretary.
While Roger Hickel is not a member of the Lions Club, he has been a dedicated volunteer to Lions Club events for many years.
“I do it for my dad,” Hickel said.
Hickel is a lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. His brother Francis and sisters Patti Hickel and Marilyn Acree are also dedicated volunteers in the Colusa community. ■