SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Simmerman, a longtime Republican precinct committeeman, was honored with the Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Award that was presented by Michael McQuillen, director of industry and government affairs at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. A proclamation from Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch was read during the presentation.
In making the presentation, McQuillen acknowledged Simmerman for his “service before self” and “leadership before self.”
State Sen. Jack Sandlin, also a longtime Southsider, presented Simmerman with the Harold Day Service award for his service to the GOP.
Simmerman has been an active member of the Marion County Republican Party since the 1970s. He united conservatives so their voices could be heard in Center Township during a tense school board election.
He was active for decades as a precinct committeeperson in Perry Township with responsibility for all involved tasks. Perry Township GOP Chair David Taylor stated that he wished he had 20 more like Simmerman.
He also served for many years as a Sergeant-at-arms doorman for the Indiana Senate where Lt. Gov. Crouch saw him each day the Legislature was in session.