HERMANN — A young businessman who wanted to help support the families of slain and wounded Hermann policemen Thursday night was recognized with the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Small Business Award.

Jeremy Schluss, who began producing printed shirts under the name of JS Creations and later changed his business to Ralp & Millie’s in honor of his grandparents, received a loud ovation from the large crowd gathered at Hermann Hill Conference Center for the Chamber’s biennial Gerald Engemann Memorial Awards Banquet.

Chamber President Colleen Murphy introduced Schluss, explaining that the young man created a logo in the hopes of supporting the families of the late Hermann Det. Sgt. Mason Griffith and Hermann Patrolman Adam Sullentrup. Griffith was killed and Sullentrup seriously wounded in a shootout Sunday, March 12, with a man named in warrants issued by surrounding counties. Sullentrup underwent extensive treatment for a head wound and was able to return homein early December.

Schluss posted his intention to sell shirts as a fund-raiser for the policemen’s families and soon learned of a large number of supporters, quickly needing to fill an order of 500 or more shirts. From the sale of the special shirts he designed, Schluss was able to donate $31,500 to the fund supporting the families.

The tragedy involving the police officers figured prominently into another Chamber award — the Distinguished Front Line Hero Award, an honor presented to Hermann-area individuals who have significantly contributed to the safety and health of the community. Hermann Police Chief Marlon Walker is this year’s recipient, introduced by City Administrator Patricia Heaney, who noted Walker’s leadership skills in the wake of the March 12 shootings.

Walker was cited for his 20 years of service in the city’s police agency. “That kind of longevity with one municipality is truly rare,” Heaney said. She added that Walker showed extraordinary leadership skills for the department during the days following the shooting. She said for Walker “to protect and serve is more than a motto; it’s a calling.”

Hermann High School senior Haley Sunfield was named the Chamber’s Distinguished Youth Award recipient. The award was announced by Gasconade County R-1 Superintendent Geoff Neill, who cited Sunfield’s many accomplishments as an officer of the school’s FCCLA and FFA chapters. He also noted the student’s steadfast efforts to advocate for the presence of a School Resource Officer on the R-1 campuses. Neill called the senior “a bright spot” among the student body.

“She is a born leader,” Neill added.

Sunfield was unable to attend the Awards Banquet

Neill also presented one of the Chamber’s Distinguished Educator Award to Hermann Elementary School Principal Kendra Brune for her contributions to the district and the community.

“She has advocated tirelessly for our smallest,” he said, noting Brune’s steadfast belief in early childhood education.

The HES principal also was cited for her advocacy for the creation of an in-house daycare program for teachers. By providing daycare at the elementary school — coming during a drop in available private daycare services in Hermann — the district was able to hire or retain several teachers it otherwise might have lost because of lack of daycare service.

St. George School Principal Amy Schebaum, a former HES instructor, presented a Distinguished Educator Award to St. George Middle Middle School instructor Tarey Vieth, also another former R-1 instructor. Schebaum noted that Vieth has continued to be able to “instill a genuine love for literature that extends beyond the classroom.”

The Chamber’s Distinguished Agriculture Award, presented by Chamber director and local MFA official Curt Bruckerhoff, went to Mike and Dawn Grosse for their family farming operation, as well as their involvement in the community including their work with the Montgomery County Fair Board.

Dawn Grosse, R-1’s social worker, was cited for her many community activities, including her roles with the Community Christmas Program, the Hermann Area Food Pantry and R-1’s Tutoring Program for students.

The Grosse family also was recognized for their participation as foster parents.

The Distinguished Volunteer Award, presented by Chamber Director Jenna Schaefer, went to Clayton Newell for his willingness to give his time and effort to the community through his volunteer service on various projects.

Chamber Executive Director Melissa Lensing presented the Distinguished Kay Schwinke Hospitality Award to the late Frank VanKamp, owner and operator of Harbor Haus and a longtime advocate for additional lodging for visitors to Hermann.

“He was the Hawaiian guy in a German town,” Lensing said, referring to the colorful Hawaiian shirts VanKamp was fond of wearing year-round. “Frank, we miss you,” Lensing said.

VanKamp, who came to Hermann in 1970, died last year.

The award is named for Kay Schwinke, who for many years was the city’s leading advocate to attract tour buses to town.

“There’s not a business in this community that doesn’t owe her gratitude for what she did” to bring business to the county seat community, Lensing said.