Changing of the guard

Davis Helberg was the celebrity du jour for many organizations in the days and weeks that preceded his official retirement date of April 1. On this page is just a sampling of photos from the many events at which Mr. Helberg was honored.

Davis Helberg, nattily attired in civvies, welcomes Adolph Ojard to Mr. Helberg's former position as port director.

Hung M. Nguyen, Coast Guard commander and captain of the port and marine inspection office in Duluth, presents Davis Helberg with a jacket on behalf of local Coast Guard personnel during a light moment at the March board meeting.

Representing all commissioners, Bill Kron, president, presents Davis Helberg with a plaque recognizing his 24 years as port director and his tireless dedication in supporting the Port Authority's mission of promoting the port and protecting and generating international and domestic commerce.
Davis Helberg was presented the U.S. Coast Guard's distinguished Public Service Award by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thomas H. Collins (right) in a ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio. Also participating in the ceremony was Rear Admiral Ronald Silva (left)., commander of the Nine Coast Guard District, which serves the Great Lakes. The award, said Admiral Silva, is "the highest Coast Guard recognition other than for life-saving that the commandant can award to an invidual who is not a Coast Guard employee."

The awards keep coming

Also, as Davis Helberg's career as port director wound down, he was honored with an award from the International Association of Great Lakes Ports, American Great Lakes Ports Association and Chamber of Maritime Commerce during a dinner in Toronto. That award was presented by Gary Failor, executive director of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority.

Back home, Mr. Helberg received an award from the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) for his years of service to the Twin Ports grain industry. That award was presented in March by Mike Sertich, past president of the local GEAPS chapter and superintendent of Superior's Peavey Elevator Company.