Mayor Fred McCarthy awarded five pins of excellence to city council members at their meeting Dec. 15.

Instituted by McCarthy earlier this year, the pins are given to people for distinguished service or merit in Langley. To date, 30 have been awarded, with the five given to the council numbering 31-35.

“You’re among eagles, and thank you very much for [the] work you do for the city,” McCarthy said as he presented the pins to the council.

McCarthy cited the roles each council member has within the city. Councilwoman Rene Neff, he said, worked on the city’s cemetery board, city council, and was an important art gallery business owner on First Street. Councilman Jim Sundberg is the city’s liaison to the Port of South Whidbey and its representative on the Island Transit board of directors.

Councilman Bruce Allen is a board member of The HUB after school hangout for youths and a member of the Island County tourism committee. Thomas Gill, the city’s youngest council member, stepped into an oft-vacant library board position, acts as the city’s de facto tech expert, and previously served on the Planning Advisory Board.

Langley’s newest councilwoman, Robin Black, was praised by McCarthy for her participation in Leadership Snohomish County and business savvy.