This year, Hagerstown has honored residents’ longtime civil service with three dedications — to Joe and Mindy Smith and the late Debbie Soliday, Everett Hampton and Carl Allen.
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Town Manager Chris LaMar was joined by Allen’s family members to dedicate a plaque at the town hall, 49 E. College St., in his honor. Allen, who died in 2024, was the town marshal for several years and became the first director of municipal operations (commonly known as town manager) in 1990. LaMar said he sees Allen as a “founding father” as he was instrumental in blueprinting the town’s leadership structure and several of its utility protocols.
In April, the Jefferson Township Board dedicated two park benches in front of its building at 37 E. Main St. One bench honored the Smiths and Hampton for a combined 44 years to the township board. Hampton died in 2025. A second bench recognized Soliday, who died in 2024, for years of service through her sorority, Psi Iota Xi.
Joe and Mindy Smith smile next to the bench that honors him and the late Everett Hampton in front of the Jefferson Township Trustee building. 
Carl Allen’s family and friends gather around the newly installed plaque honoring him in front of Hagerstown’s town hall at 49 E. College St. Supplied. 
Max Soliday is joined by members of Psi Iota Xi on the bench dedicated to the late Debbie Soliday. Suppiled
A version of this article appeared in the October 21 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
