In January, Downtown Fort Wayne honored another round of Unsung Heroes at its annual Celebrate Downtown ceremony—a celebration of the people, places, and partnerships that make Downtown Fort Wayne a great place to live, work, and play. For years, Celebrate Downtown has shed a light on community members who do great things, yet receive little recognition for their contributions.
One of this year’s honorees is Scott Pepper. If you’ve taken a stroll Downtown during the holidays, you’ve likely seen Scott’s work firsthand without knowing it. Each year, Scott and his team with the City of Fort Wayne go all out adorning Downtown streets with decor to beautify our community. He’s not only a dedicated worker who’s been with the City for almost three decades, but he’s also a proud veteran.
Giving curb appeal to 99 blocks (and beyond) is no small feat. So give a round of applause to Scott for making Fort Wayne more picturesque!
Get to know Scott Pepper—one of DTFW’s 2025 Unsung Heroes:
Molly: I understand you’ve played a pretty big role providing decor, banners, and streetlights for Downtown Fort Wayne. Can you tell me more about the work you do for the City?
Scott: As a supervisor, one of our many responsibilities here at the Signs and Markings department is managing the installation of downtown banners and holiday decorations. We also installed IPFW’s Sculpture with Purpose bike racks back in 2014.
Molly: Do you have a favorite project or story about your work Downtown?
Scott: My all time favorite project is the Blue Star Banners (a project that honors military service members who are actively deployed). I served in the Army National Guard for 20 years. When a service member is deployed, I know just how much joy any small token of appreciation makes a family feel. God bless the USA!
Molly: Do you have any big goals for 2025?
Scott: I’m looking forward to working with Citilink to install newly designed bus stop signs throughout the Downtown Fort Wayne district.
Molly: How did you react when you heard you were being honored as an Unsung Hero?
Scott: I was surprised when Frank called to let me know about the award. My only thought was, I wish it could have been awarded to my whole staff. They’re the ones who do most of the installations nowadays. Without the great support of all my guys, none of this would be possible.
Molly: Is there anything else you want readers to know about your work with the City?
Scott: I have worked for the City of Fort Wayne for 27 years, all of which in the Traffic Operations Department. I have overseen the daily operations for Street Lighting, Signal Shop, and Signs and Markings.
Molly: An impressive career! Thanks, Scott—for your time and service to Downtown!
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.