When Eagle Mountain resident Vincent Liddiard first moved to the area, the city was still in its infancy. It’s been 18 years since then, with three new homes for his family, as well as the opportunity to watch roads be paved, businesses move in and other families settle in the city he’s learned to love.

It’s not just Liddiard’s history with the city, though, that’s led to his selection as this year’s Pony Express Days Grand Marshal. The title, recommended by community members and selected by the event committee, comes from his passion for service and the many ways he’s contributed to making the area a better place through the years he’s lived there.

That doesn’t mean his nomination didn’t catch him off guard, though.

“Honestly, my first impression was I was surprised and a little embarrassed, too,” he said. “I just want to do what I do and do my thing. I enjoy what I do so much – where I live, who I get to work with. But I’m very pleased and extremely grateful.”

What Liddiard does extends deeply into the roots of the community, including time on the City Council and as mayor pro tem, to his work afterward, creating and heading the Eagle Mountain Division of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers in Police Service program.

“When the time for me to leave elected service (came), I wanted to stay involved in the community,” Liddiard said, and he definitely has, volunteering regularly to help with the city’s Pony Express Days, as well as serving as football announcer for Westlake High School. Through the years, he’s also served on the economic development board and even spent time as a scoutmaster to local youth.

An Army man through and through, Liddiard lived on base before moving to Eagle Mountain, and still works for the Department of the Army at the Dugway Proving Ground. He has a wonderful wife and five sons, spanning in age from middle school to college.

According to Liddiard, one of his favorite things about living in Eagle Mountain is the feel it has developed over the years, creating the perfect space for his family.

“There’s a great sense of community,” he said. “It’s quiet, peaceful and little bit off the beaten road. People are friendly and going to help each other.

“It’s also a growing community. … In 20 years of existence, it’s gone from a few homes to 27,000 people. That’s pretty rapid growth. But despite the huge influx of people, it’s kept the culture of service and just that community feel.”

According to Liddiard, the years have brought Eagle Mountain a maturity and permanence that were only a hope when it was founded. With its unique ties to the Pony Express trails, its proximity to the mountains and Utah Lake and its rich history, he said it’s “a great place to enjoy living.”

As to personal interests, Liddiard said he enjoys volunteering, staying busy, camping, reading, doing voice work such as announcing, and, of course, spending time with his wife and children.

As grand marshal, Liddiard will be featured in the parade and have the opportunity to appear at the Pony Express Days Rodeo and Demolition Derby. He’ll also be featured in the city’s newsletter before continuing the quiet service and volunteerism he’s been offering the city and his neighbors for nearly two decades now.