City of Foley Celebrates Municipal Employees’ Dedication

Guy Busby • March 7, 2026

Team Foley Spirit Shines At Annual Celebration

City of Foley Employee Appreciation Dinner

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The city of Foley expressed gratitude to its municipal workers for their dedication. Officials hosted a special event to honor their service to the community. Mayor Ralph Hellmich commended the team for making Foley exceptional. He emphasized how their pride and teamwork distinguish the city.


The annual employee appreciation meeting took place on Thursday, March 5, at the Foley Civic Center. The Foley Extra Mile Award ceremony occurred the next day, on Friday, March 6. These events celebrated long service and outstanding performance. City leaders aimed to recognize everyday efforts.


Hellmich told the group that city employees make Foley a great place to live. "As I travel representing our city, people ask how we do all this," Hellmich said. "It's because of you guys. It's because y'all are proud of what you do."


He added that workers love their city and each other. This makes coming to work a labor of love. The mayor noted that this spirit has made Foley special.


Staff members represent Foley well in many ways. They build sidewalks, clear ditches, trim trees, and help kids at the library.


Hellmich mentioned that employees often go above and beyond for residents. "We have the same problems that other cities face, but we have a team," he said. "When we say Team Foley, that means something to our council and me."


The mayor emphasized their teamwork. "The important thing that we do as Team Foley is work together," Hellmich told employees. People often compliment the workers, including helping with flat tires or other problems.


Logan Eberly received the Foley Extra Mile Award. She works as the city grants and special agreements administrator. The award recognizes her as the outstanding employee of the year. Hellmich praised Eberly's support for colleagues. She helps before they even ask. Staff and directors respect her work.


She handles grant applications with patience. This involves dealing with federal agencies and rules. "Her knowledge and ability to deal with these federal agencies and her patience is outstanding," Hellmich said. The mayor noted her confidence in tough talks. "She's sitting over here confidently discussing how we get through this particular issue," he added. Her skills help the whole team.


Ralph Hellmich presents the Foley Extra Mile Award to Logan Eberly, city
grants and special agreement administrator, during the city’s Employee Appreciation Event on
Thursday, March 6.

The city also presented service awards. Tony Fuqua received a 30-year award, and Randy Stallworth was honored for 25 years. Several workers received 20-year awards, including Chris Cummins, Devery Thomas, Reid Cole, Michael Lucas, David Thompson, James Smith, Virgil Conway, and Mike Lipham. Fifteen-year honors went to Carl Grant, Curtis Ricks, Brandon Purdue, Andrew Forsythe, and Tommy Smith. Ten-year service awards were given to Kate Ray, Cody Nims, Drew Schaff, Gary Schrader, Joshua Gentry, Andrew Salgado, Zach Gebhart, Robin File, Tyler Sundie, David Snyder, Wesley Ray, Michael Powell, Kevin Nodhturft, Kim Ebentheuer, Carter Chmielewski, Cody Carraway, and James Pate.



Five-year awards were given to Matt Forner, Drew Norris, Ricky Lazauskas, Nichole Blackwell, Wynter Metz, Krystal Bodiford, Sara Kate Harkins, Nathan Smith, Shellie Kichler, Jeff Lee, Garreth Cotton, and Warren Harbison.


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