Madison honors top employees during city council meeting

The start of a torrential downpour momentarily stole the attention of people gathered for the regular meeting of the Madison City Council, but business at hand soon commenced and demanded full attention.

Leading the agenda was a presentation honoring Employee of the Year Roger Bellamy, Police Officer of the Year Josh Collins and Firefighter of the Year Captain Ryan Ledford.

Debbie Overcash, Rotary Club member and chair of the Employee of the Year committee, emceed the ceremony. Members of the Rotary Club of Madison—Al Sulligent and President Bill Holtzclaw-–-joined Mayor Paul Finley and Council President John Seifert in welcoming the winners to accept their plaques.

“This is the 24th year the Rotary Club of Madison, in cooperation with the City of Madison, has had the privilege of recognizing outstanding citizens in public service,’’ Overcash said. “These fine employees have been chosen by their supervisors for this very well-deserved recognition.

“Our appreciation features a plaque for each individual, inclusion in a perpetual plaque here at city hall, a monetary gift from the Rotary Club of Madison, along with our entire city’s gratitude for a job well done.’’

“Ryan always has a calm demeanor, a positive attitude and is always working with other members to ensure they are well-trained,’’ Madison Fire and Rescue Chief Brandy Williams said. “I expect big things from Ryan and look forward to him moving forward in our department.’’

Ledford, who comes from a family of firefighters, deflected praise.

“I just appreciate the team,’’ he told the Huntsville Business Journal during a break in the council meeting for a celebration with cake. “I’ve had a lot of strong mentors that led me to where I am to get this award. The guys I work with were very important.’’

Collins is a member of special operations as part of the police department’s training division. He has attended various job-related events, including Instructive Development and Pepper Ball Gun Instruction, a less lethal form of suppression. He was also instrumental in streamlining the department’s hiring process.

Madison Police Chief Johnny Gandy accepted the award on behalf of Collins, who was away on vacation.

“Officer Collins has been an invaluable member of the training division,’’ Gandy said. “His efforts have really enhanced the size of our staffing levels, and skills and abilities of our officers. He is an invaluable asset to this agency.’’

Bellomy joined the city’s staff in 1995 and became Director of Finance in 2012. In 2013 when a ½ cent sales tax was approved, instead of putting that money into the general fund he created a three-fund approach – capital purchases, neighborhood streets and debt services.

That move, along with the creation of Fund 38, which spawned 24 current projects, has moved Madison forward economically.

“Roger was a major contributor when our management team defined a mission statement that we still have today,’’ Finley said. “Under his leadership we maximized value with our community’s money. On a personal note, I love Roger’s heart, his passion for our community’s success and his willingness to speak his mind. Good things happened to Madison when Roger was involved.’’

Bellomy is retiring in October.

“I appreciate (the award), I really do,’’ he said. “It means the city is thinking about me.’’