February 27, 2025 – The Clovis Hall of Fame has made its grand return after years of being on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The long-awaited event celebrated its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, February 26, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and heart toward the Clovis community.
“The Clovis Hall of Fame Awards Banquet is more than an awards ceremony; it’s an evening of inspiration and community pride,” shared Rufi Alday, Marketing Committee Chair for the event.
Since its inception in 1975, when it was first hosted by the Clovis Independent, the Hall of Fame has been a staple of Clovis history. Over the years, it has been organized by various community organizations, including the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis Exchange Club. Today, it is coordinated by a collaboration of community and veteran service organizations, keeping its legacy alive.
On this crisp evening, attendees filled the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, where they were welcomed by a warm meal and the familiar buzz of conversation. The room reflected the very heart of the community—not only recognizing those who make Clovis special but fostering friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
Following dinner, honorees took to the stage to receive their awards. The individuals inducted this year embodied the spirit of service and devotion, ensuring Clovis remains a cherished place to live for generations to come.
One of the most notable recognitions of the night was the Spirit of Clovis Award, given to both the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis and Melvin Mason. This award is presented to individuals or groups whose contributions reflect the essence of Clovis, setting an example for its exceptional status among Central Valley cities. Mason, a local musician and longtime resident, has showcased this exceptionalism throughout the years.
In addition, Fire Captain Trenton McGill of the Clovis Fire Department, who also serves as President of the Clovis Firefighter’s Association, was named Firefighter of the Year for going above and beyond his responsibilities in service to the city.
“He’s been doing a fantastic job for us,” said Clovis firefighter Tim Lesmeister. “We’re in a great spot right now, and a lot of that is because of his efforts.”
Lesmeister added that McGill isn’t just an outstanding leader in the department but also a dedicated family man. “He’s very involved with his kids’ athletics and school,” he said.
Jeremy Dobson, another Clovis firefighter, nodded in agreement. “He was my captain for two years,” he shared. “I saw firsthand the work he did with the union and the way he built relationships with city council.”
Another inductee into the Hall of Fame was Mollie Jacobsen, a Clovis police officer who has served the department for 18 years. In 2024, she was named Employee of the Year for her work, particularly in her role as the Mental Health Liaison—a position she created herself. Under her leadership, mental health-related calls in the department have dropped by 20%.
Speaking on behalf of the Clovis Police Department, Public Information Officer Ty Wood praised Jacobsen’s impact. “She’s a great person all around and a fantastic officer,” he said.
Wood also noted that the Employee of the Year award is chosen by peers within the department, including police officers, dispatchers, and professional staff. This recognition highlights not only Jacobsen’s work ethic but also the strong relationships she has built within Clovis PD.
Other distinguished inductees included the Frantzich Family and Sirimarco Family for the Founding Family Award, Frank Ducar as Veteran of the Year, and Joyce and Phill Morrelli for the Service to Youth Award.
The evening’s success was made possible by contributions from the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, Clovis Community College, VFW Post 3225, Clovis Big Dry Creek Historical Society, and many other individuals and organizations.
The Hall of Fame continues to honor those who preserve the “Clovis way of life,” and the community looks forward to the ongoing contributions of its leaders and volunteers.
Next year’s event is set for Thursday, February 26, 2026. Nominations for future inductees can be submitted at the Clovis Hall of Fame website: https://www.clovishalloffame.com/nominations.