Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley city leaders and state officials recently honored three longtime members of the Foley City Council for their years of service to the community. The recognition highlighted both the dedication of two retiring council members and the memory of a colleague who died while in office. Council members and residents gathered as state resolutions praised the officials' work. The event underscored the importance local leaders place on public service and commitment to the city.

The Alabama State Legislature recognized the three council members during the final Foley City Council meeting of 2025. Their council terms concluded in November, marking the end of their long service. The ceremony took place at Foley City Hall, where resolutions from the Alabama House of Representatives were formally presented.

The presentations honored former Council members Vera Quaites and Rick Blackwell, as well as Judy Dayton, the wife of the late Councilman Richard “Dick” Dayton. The resolutions recognized the officials’ service to the city and the state and were entered into the legislative record.

Quaites and Blackwell each served 17 years on the Foley City Council, a tenure that spanned multiple city administrations and projects. Their long commitment showed strong dedication to the people of Foley. “For the two of y’all on behalf of the governor, the state of Alabama, and the Alabama House of Representatives, we wanted to say thank you to both of you,” the resolution stated.

The message said the pair’s efforts went far beyond routine council duties. “Y’all both have been wonderful to the city of Foley -- your dedication, what I call blood, sweat, and tears, on behalf of all of us,” it read. “We really, really appreciate all of your work, and we’re glad to see y’all back tonight.”

Quaites said she was grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to serve the community for so many years. “I want to say to our state representative, to the mayor, City Council, our city administrator, and to everyone, good evening to all of you,” she said. “I am very sincerely honored to accept this resolution and appreciate the recognition and thank you for your service.”

The Legislature also honored the late Councilman Richard “Dick” Dayton, who died in office on Aug. 21 while serving his first term on the council. A resolution presented to his wife, Judy Dayton, recognized his work and her role in supporting his service. The presentation drew emotional appreciation from those in attendance who had served with Dayton.

The tribute said Dayton quickly made an impact during his time on the council. “On behalf of the Alabama House of Representatives, the governor and the state of Alabama, we all just wanted to say how proud we were of you and Dick, because I know a spouse has a full-time job doing all of this also,” the resolution read. “He was a natural. He did such a fabulous job. On behalf of all of us, we just wanted to say thank you.”

City officials said the resolutions reflect the deep appreciation that Foley and Alabama leaders have for those who commit years of their lives to public service. The recognition of Quaites, Blackwell, and Dayton was described as a meaningful way to close the council’s work for the year and to honor the legacy of those who helped shape the city.