Covington Work Session Includes Memorial Presentation for Late Mayor Forbes, Announcement Regarding District 2 Seat, and Several Honors Presented
| By Jennifer Bailey
Staff Writer |
Covington, VA (May 6, 2026)—It was a busy evening last night at the Covington City Council work session which included a memorial presentation and proclamation for the late Mayor Fred Forbes III, an announcement by City Manager Allen Dressler regarding the District 2 seat currently vacant following Forbes sudden and unexpected passing, and several folks—including Sgt. Chris Spraker, Covington Fire Department volunteer Shane Byer, Covington police chief C.J. Smith, and city clerk Amber Berberette—being honored for various reasons.
City Manager Allen Dressler first introduced two of Forbes' sisters, LeAnn Stout and Carla Arritt, with whom he presented a framed proclamation and single white rose in honor of their brother, Fred Forbes III. Forbes' other sister, Elizabeth Hatfield, was unable to attend. Dressler also read a proclamation honoring the late mayor which read, in part:
WHEREAS the city of Covington mourns the passing of its sitting mayor Fred Forbes III who departed this life on Saturday, March 14, 2026, and
WHEREAS Mayor Forbes was elected to Covington City Council on January 1, 2023, appointed vice mayor on January 10, 2025, and assumed the office of mayor on July 19, 2025, following the untimely passing of mayor William E. "Lance" Carson Jr., serving with dedication and a commitment to honor his predecessor, and
WHEREAS even prior to his election, he demonstrated his commitment to public service by advocating for the establishment of March 14 as Fallen Officers Day in the city of Covington, and
WHEREAS Mayor Forbes was known for his straightforward, genuine, and respectful nature, treating all people as equals, and leading with authenticity...
Shortly thereafter, Dressler, during his manager's report, addressed the issue of Forbes' vacant District 2 seat that still needed to be filled. The candidates who applied for the seat and gave presentations to council recently were Gene Mundy, Michael Green, and Milton Helton. A vote was held by council on April 21 that resulted in Mundy receiving two votes (Crowder, Wolfe), Green receiving one vote (Goff), and Helton receiving one (Hunter). However, three votes were required for appointment, which then put the power in the hands of the Alleghany Circuit Court Judge. During Tuesday night's work session, Dressler noting receiving word from the city's attorney, Mark Popovich, that Judge Edward K. Stein had appointed Stephen Allan Tucker to the seat. Tucker is a former member of the Covington City Council who served for a number of years, as well as a local music director.
The meeting also honored several locals for various reasons. Covington police chief C.J. Smith was honored for his recent graduation from VDEM (Virginia Department of Emergency Management), while city clerk Amber Berberette was honored—during municipal clerk's week—for her service to the city of Covington. "This young lady has been with us a little over a year now," town manager Allen Dressler said Tuesday night, "and she has really helped lead our city council, and worked diligently with the city manager and carrying our council meetings, and things like that." Dressler then presented Berberette with a sealed envelope that appeared to house a greeting card.
The final two honorees were Sgt. Chris Spraker with the Covington Police Department, and Shane Byer, Covington Fire Department. Spraker and Byer received the Lifesaving Award for their efforts that led to saving a man's life back in March, where they fearlessly entered a house fire and then brought the man to safety. The Journal will have a much larger story of their bravery in a separate article.
City Manager Allen Dressler's full report can now be viewed on the Alleghany Journal Facebook page. |  | Here, Police Chief C.J. Smith (left) was honored for his recent graduation from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).
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|  | Covington City Clerk Amber Berberette was also honored on Tuesday night for her work to help lead the Covington City Council.
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|  | (l to r) Newly-elected Covington Fire Chief, C.W. Smith, stands with local heroes, Shane Byer, Covington Volunteer Fire Department, and Sgt. Chris Spraker, who recently saved a man's life during a house fire.
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