Recognized for his contributions to Rotary International, his commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and his passion for promoting peace, Peoria resident Chuck Fitzgerald has been named this year’s Ethics in Action Awardee presented by the Glendale West Rotary Club.The announcement was made at the Glendale West Rotary Club’s annual Ethics in Action Award Program held April 26.
Fitzgerald was chosen from a final list of nine nominees.
Rotary District 5495 Governor Nancy Van Pelt lauded all nine nominees as “exceptional citizens” recognized for their personal ethics.
“Our honorees do what they do because of their own values,” said Van Pelt. “High ethics builds trust, confidence and respect.”
This year’s nominees:
- T. Wayne Cole, owner of 501c Realty.
- D. Lily DeBlieux, superintendent of Pedergast Elementary School.
- Chuck Fitzgerald, Arizona House of Representatives Sergeant at Arms.
- Rosalie Hernandez, program manager at Faith House Crisis Center.
- Chuck Montgomery, Glendale Deputy Fire Chief.
- Raymond Popp, owner and director of True Care Physical Therapy in Surprise.
- Carl Walker, president and owner of Carl’s Car Care.
- Jerry Weiers, mayor of Glendale.
- Connie Whitlock, executive director of WHAM Community Art Center.
Fitzgerald is a past Rotary district governor and current member of the Peoria Rotary Club. He was instrumental two years ago in installing a Peace Pole at Centennial High School in Peoria.
In accepting the award, Fitzgerald cited a favorite Bible verse of his: “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This year marked the fourth consecutive year the Glendale West Rotary Club has chosen an “Ethics in Action Awardee.” During the April 26 program, emcee and club member Len Dyer announced that beginning in 2019, instead of selecting one honoree the club will select several winners in various categories.
“All of our honorees are making a huge impact in our communities,” said Dyer. “They all make our world a better place.”