Virginia O’Rourke, right, was honored yesterday as the Exchange Club Mayor for the Day during a ceremony outside Waterbury City Hall. Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, left, said he has known O’Rourke for more than 25 years and praised her efforts to improve children’s lives in the community. Photographs by John Murray
Members of the Waterbury Fire Department listen to a speaker during the ceremony.
State Senator Joe Markley, left, presented O’Rourke with a proclamation from the State Legislature.
Waterbury police officer Damien Blocker, right, and his fellow police officers stood at attention during the Pledge of Allegiance during the ceremony.
Two of Waterbury’s most popular politicians have both stated the most enjoyable part of their jobs as elected officials is to participate in community celebrations and events. Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, left, a Democrat, and State Representative Selim Noujaim, a Republican, are both energized during public ceremonies, and both appearred to enjoy the ceremony yesterday morning honoring Virginia O’Rourke as Mayor for the Day.