Thomas Gounley

TGOUNLEY@NEWS-LEADER.COM

A man known as "Springfield Batman" will receive a key to the city Dec. 12.

Derek Smith has donated hundreds of hours to appear at local hospitals and at special events dressed as the caped crusader, according to a news release from the city. Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Seifried will present the key to him at 6 p.m. at Park Central Square for going "above and beyond the call of duty" to spread good will in the community.

"I think what Derek is doing is phenomenal and decided he needed a 'thank you' from the city," Seifried said in the release. "He is doing this work on his own free time, at his own expense, for no other reason but to cheer up sick children or bring awareness to the importance of our local public safety teams."

Representatives from the Springfield Police Officers Association and International Association of Fire Fighters are expected to attend the Dec. 12 ceremony, which will include the debut of Springfield Batman's "bat signal."

"Our local heroes are the police officers, firefighters and hospital staff who provide life-saving service to those in need," Smith said in the release. "If my presence draws attention to their great work as the real superheroes, then I have set out what I've intended to do."