SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The former mayor of Sullivan was presented the “Sagamore of the Wabash,” award presented at the Indiana Statehouse on Friday.
Clint Lamb, born and raised in Sullivan served on the Park Board and City Council before running for mayor in 2011. Lamb served as the mayor of Sullivan for three terms over 12 years before stepping down in 2023.
“The city of Sullivan has been everything to me, my entire life,” said Clint Lamb. “I was very humbled that the governor recognized those efforts during my 12 years as mayor.”
During his time as mayor, Lamb accomplished many things including turning the former elementary school gym into the Sullivan Civic Center, creating Central Plaza, tearing down blighted properties, and adding new homes and apartments. In addition, major improvements were made to the Sullivan City Pool.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb presented Lamb with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award on Thursday, January 9th at the Indiana Statehouse.
According to their own criteria, Indiana Governors select who will receive the prestigious award.
“I appreciated (Holcomb’s) service. I felt like he appreciated mine. But I didn’t know it was to the level being declared a Sagamore of the Wabash. The best title I ever had was mayor of my hometown. I am here to tell you it doesn’t take a special title to take care of people. And taking care of people to me is what the Sagamore of the Wabash was about,” said the former mayor of Sullivan.
The award recognizes Lamb’s enduring dedication to improving the quality of life in Sullivan.
“I get the recognition, but this isn’t about me,” said Lamb. “This is a truly a reflection of the people that helped mold (me), that served along my side no matter what capacity I was in and as mayor. The relationships and friendships I made all across the state of Indiana, and now I get to work side by side in those communities.”
Clint Lamb joins a list of honorary recipients of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, including Astronaut Gus Grisson, David Letterman, Muhammad Ali, and even the fictional character that was created in the state, Garfield.
