Governor directs flags to be flown at half staff in Vermillion County Friday in honor of Mayor Gilfoy
Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Businesses and residents in Vermillion County are asked to lower their flags as well.
The 75-year-old mayor experienced a medical emergency last week and died in Union Hospital over the weekend.
Gilfoy, a Democrat, had served as Clinton's mayor since Jan. 1, 2012.
He was a graduate of Clinton High School and a Vietnam War veteran who also oversaw the family-owned business, Model Cleaners, according to his biography on the city's website.
'He cared about the city and took a lot of pride in it and in his job. He took his responsibilities very seriously,' said Scott Craig, Clinton city attorney. 'He always was looking to make things better for the city.'
Under Gilfoy's leadership, the city has been successful in securing grants for various improvements, Craig said.
'Our parks, our streets, our sewer plant, our water system, are all in fantastic shape. We got a new firehouse and a new fire truck,' Craig said.
Many of his department heads have been part of his administration for most or all of his tenure as mayor, providing stability, Craig said.
According to Gilfoy's obituary, and in honor of his wishes, there will be no service.
Clinton city council president JT Walker is serving as interim mayor until the Democratic party conducts a caucus to appoint a new mayor, Craig said.
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