SubmittedLawrence McCoy receives a plaque from Pac-Mac, the company that manufactures the claw truck he drove for the past 14 years from Richard Hardy, public works director.

VALDOSTA — Lawrence McCoy started his career with the City of Valdosta in August 1988 as an automotive service technician. 

The city held a retirement ceremony to honor McCoy, who worked for the public works department for 30 years.

Richard Hardy, public works director, said it means a lot to him that McCoy dedicated half his life to the department.

“Lawrence has done a lot for the city, day in and day out,” Hardy said. “I have had the privilege to work with Lawrence, and when he comes to work, he means business and gets his work done.”

In December 1994, he was promoted to a light equipment operator. Two years later, McCoy became a crew leader for the Yard Trash Division, and in 1998, he was promoted to a heavy equipment operator.

At his retirement ceremony, McCoy was presented with a plaque from Pac-Mac, the company that manufactures the claw truck he drove for the past 14 years.

Mayor John Gayle thanked McCoy for his service at a ceremony held in McCoy’s honor Thursday, Aug. 30.

He said that whenever someone works in the same job for 30 years, it’s a compliment to the employer because they have given their all.

“We wish Lawrence well in his retirement, and we are so thankful to have had him at the City of Valdosta for the past 30 years,” Gayle said.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256