Gateway Public Service Finalists - Excellence in Public Service Awards

Public service is at its best when residents can see, trust, and feel connected to the work of their City.

Presented as part of the Excellence in Public Service Awards, the Gateway Public Service Award honors dedicated City employees who open the door between residents and their government, building trust, strengthening civic pride, and showing the people of St. Louis the very best of their City.

Join us at the Rotunda, City Hall, on Tuesday, October 13, as we celebrate these outstanding public servants and reveal the recipient of the Gateway Public Service Award! The Excellence in Public Service Awards program runs from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Captain Garon Mosby

St. Louis Fire Department

Captain Garon Mosby serves as a Fire Captain and Public Information Officer on the Fire Chief’s administrative staff, connecting the St. Louis Fire Department with the people it serves. His work includes sharing timely information during emergencies, promoting fire and life safety, coordinating media relations, and highlighting the dedicated people behind the Department. Every day, his goal is to keep the community informed, build trust, and help residents understand how their fire department serves them.

He is most proud of serving as master of ceremonies for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s annual Candlelight Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland, which honors the nation’s firefighters who have died in the line of duty and brings their loved ones together in remembrance. Meeting the families, hearing their stories, and helping ensure their loved ones are remembered has been, in his words, the honor of his career.

His calling to public service began in childhood, when he accidentally started a fire in his family’s home and St. Louis firefighters rescued two of his sisters from the second floor by ladder. Watching their response planted the seed of a lifelong purpose: helping others on their worst day. Outside of work, his greatest joy is being a dad and spending time with his wife and daughter. He is also learning to play golf and has found that one good shot is all it takes to bring him back.

“Having once been the child whose family needed help, I understand how deeply that care can matter.”

Bob Ray

Soulard Market, Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Bob Ray manages the Soulard Farmers Market for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry. With characteristic humor, he describes his role as herding, promoting, and empowering the people who make the market what it is.

The work he is most proud of is overseeing $7 million in capital improvements at Soulard Market.

Bob credits two people with inspiring his career in public service: his mother and his mentor, Charlie Pruesser. Outside of work, he follows Golden State Warriors basketball and counts Black Thorn Pizza among his favorite local spots.

“Herding, promoting, empowering the best cats in the world.”

Bretton DeLaria

Department of Public Safety

Bretton DeLaria serves as communications lead for the City of St. Louis Department of Public Safety, translating the work of eight public safety divisions into clear, timely information for residents, the media, and community partners. On any given day, he may be responding to a breaking incident, coordinating media relations, developing communication strategies, preparing public officials for interviews and events, or finding new ways to help residents understand the services available to them.

He is most proud of helping create the Office of Violence Prevention’s community Kickbacks, which bring safe spaces, food, family activities, and critical resources directly into the neighborhoods most affected by gun violence. At one winter Kickback, Bretton connected a resident with a physician at a mobile health clinic he had helped bring to the event. Transportation barriers and limited pharmacy access had left her without needed medication. That day, she was able to see a doctor and have her prescription refilled on the spot.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Bretton chose public service to give back to the community that shaped him. As a communicator, he values the chance to tell the city’s stories, connect residents with their government, and build trust and civic pride. Outside of work, he is a devoted fan of French food and can often be found with friends at Scarlett’s Wine Bar.

“Bringing government beyond the walls of City Hall, meeting people where they are, and connecting them with real people who can provide real help in real time.”