Longtime Monroe County Road Department equipment operator Raymond Alford received the annual Culloden Flame of Excellence Award presented by the Culloden City Council members in a ceremony at Culloden City Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Alford, a former Culloden resident who has worked for the county road department for nearly two decades, was honored for his efforts in keeping Culloden’s streets, right-of-ways and bushes looking good.
Culloden council members Jackie Boling, Margie Bryant, Tellas Daniels, Miranda Hall and Sarah Jean Ray were on hand to present Alford with his award. District 2 Monroe County Commissioner Eddie Rowland, who represents Culloden, Culloden city clerk Lisa Elder, and three of Alford’s road department colleagues, superintendent Junior Watts, Gary Futch and Willie Rutland, were also present to show support for Alford.
Boling said, “This year we want to present it (Flame of Excellence Award) to a man who no matter what he shows up, he’s on time, does whatever, no complaints. . . We appreciate everything he does for Culloden. Everybody seems to like him.”
As part of his award, Boling also gave Alford lifetime concert tickets to all City of Culloden concert events at Ellis Field.
Commissioner Rowland said Alford always makes sure things are done exactly the way the county leaders want them done.
“You go above and beyond with everything that you do,” Commissioner Rowland said. “I’ve had so many people that have called and they’re upset and they want this done, and when you leave, they’re like: ‘Man, Raymond did a great job,’ especially in Culloden. . . We just thank you for everything that you do for Culloden and Monroe County.”
Alford said he’s proud to have received the Flame of Excellence Award.
“It’s a very good honor,” Alford said. “I’m very happy. It shows that I do good work.”
