The Bridgeville Borough Building was abuzz Tuesday evening as residents and guests gathered in pride and excitement as Mayor Betty Copeland was formally awarded the 2021 Mayor of the Year Award by the Pennsylvania State Mayors’ Association.

While Copeland was announced as this year’s winner at the 50th annual Mayors Association conference in mid-July, she was finally granted her commemorative plaque and formal recognition in front of the Bridgeville Borough Council at its monthly meeting.

Surrounded by friends, supporters, neighbors and family, Copeland humbly beamed as a slew of figures praised her kindness and devotion to her community.

“To me, this is the most prestigious award a mayor can receive,” said Jim Nowalk, president of the association and Whitehall mayor.

Nowalk, a former recipient of the award himself, spoke to a packed crowd — all eager to see Copeland take in the moment.

“It goes to an outstanding mayor,” Nowalk said.

This year, the mayors’ association fielded 13 applications for the award. But, as Nowalk stated, Copeland’s nomination immediately caught the selection committee’s eyes.

The 87-year-old mayor of Bridgeville has a history of breaking down barriers in the name of progress, generosity and service. Copeland is Bridgeville’s first woman and first Black person to serve as mayor, along with being the oldest person elected to the office. Copeland was 83 at the time of her election.

“I gotta tell you, it was just a standout for Mayor Betty here,” said Keith Moss, mayor of Duryea and member of the award selection committee.

Moss spoke of the many instances of above-the-ordinary kindness Copeland has shown to the members of her community. In Copeland’s application for the award, her nominators mentioned how she has gone out of her way to make new families in the community feel a sense of belonging, frequently making them “welcome baskets” with whatever supplies they might need to start their lives in Bridgeville.

During the long months of lockdown, Copeland teamed up with the local fire department to host mini parades for children stuck inside on their birthdays. For Copeland, acts like these are just part of her routine of service.

“She is a true leader who leads by example,” Moss said.

Also in attendance was state Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37), a Bridgeville native. Robinson mentioned Copeland’s eagerness to listen to the needs of her neighbors.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be from Bridgeville,” Robinson said.

After Robinson’s remarks, council president William Henderson expressed his congratulations to Copeland on behalf of the entire Bridgeville Borough Council. He described Copeland as a “proud, humble and strong leader,” who has “unselfishly devoted her life to the service of others.” Henderson said Copeland has a “reputation of putting service before self.”

“As a community, we are beyond proud of her,” Henderson said.

In line with the humility that so many spoke of, Copeland kept her comments of gratitude brief. She once again thanked the mayors’ association and all of those who have supported her throughout her time as mayor.

She made a special point to thank everyone in Bridgeville for “letting me know that I do matter.”

Her remarks were met with a standing ovation.

Other business

After the fanfare of Copeland’s celebration was over, the council proceeded with the regular order of the meeting.

All of the proposed motions on the agenda for the evening were passed unanimously.

In addition to the scheduled business, much of the conversation was dominated by the topic of flooding in the borough. For many months, Bridgeville has faced numerous floods, with several damaging homes, businesses and local churches.

FEMA is involved in helping eliminate properties that are directly in floodplains, and drainage alternatives are being analyzed for future use.

While Fire Chief Raymond Costain was praised for his handling of the recent flooding, it is evident that this is an ongoing problem for residents of Bridgeville.

Borough engineer Kevin Brett is continually working on possible solutions to make flood recovery easier for Bridgeville Public Works and Safety.

“When it rains, we’re afraid too,” Henderson said.

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