Butler City Council commended firefighter Jim Reeder for saving the life a newborn girl on July 1.

Fire Chief Chris Switala read a letter of commendation from him and Councilman Corey Roche, the director of public safety, and presented it to Reeder at Thursday's council meeting.

The fire department responded to a home in the West End where the girl, who was born prematurely, was unresponsive.

Reeder, who joined the department in May 2007 and is also an emergency medical technician, cleared the baby's airways with suction, rubbed her chest and back, and applied chest compressions.

The girl began breathing just before an ambulance arrived.

“Through your efforts, the newborn baby girl began to breathe on her own,” the letter reads. “Although you may consider your actions at this scene just part of the job, they are truly worthy of recognition in keeping with the high traditions of the City of Butler Bureau of Fire. Such an incident is one of the most difficult and stressful a firefighter can encounter. You remained steadfast and acted in accordance with your training to save a life.

“We commend you for your actions during this emergency and your commitment to serving the community.”

Rotarys recognizedTwo service organizations were recognized.Mayor Ben Smith proclaimed Thursday as “Butler Rotarian Day” in recognition of the Butler AM Rotary and Butler PM Rotary.The Butler AM Rotary built the Purple Playground at Alameda Park in Butler Township, is in the midst of a two-year effort to renovate Memorial Park in the city, donates scholarship money to Butler County Community College and raises money for the Salvation Army and Community Health Clinic, according to the proclamation.The Butler PM Rotary raises money for people in need and for organizations that help people, provides scholarships, sends students the Rotary Outstanding Leadership Program, presents Rotary Outstanding Vocational Awards yearly, supports education and raises money for BC3's adult literacy program.

Other businessIn unrelated business, council approved a $60,731 payment to Bronder Technical Services, which is replacing streetlights on Main Street, and agreed to buy a 9-foot snow plow from Hercules Truck Equipment for $4,400, which was the lowest of three bids.