Gadsden declares July 28 'Heath Williamson Day' to honor long-serving engineer

Mayor Craig Ford read a proclamation at the July 28 Gadsden City Council meeting naming the day in honor of Heath Williamson, the city’s director of engineering. The proclamation credited Williamson with supervising more than $250,000,000 in infrastructure and public-improvement projects and praised his “servant’s heart” and community leadership. "We recognize and honor Heath Williamson for his outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and faithful service in the city of Gadsden," the proclamation said.

Williamson and family accepted the recognition. In response, Williamson said he loved the job and the city: "I love this job. I love this city. I love working for every resident everywhere," and thanked those who had supported him. Mayor Ford said the recognition was a surprise arranged with Williamson’s family and noted the mayor’s office would present a plaque and host a luncheon.

The presentation was part of the council’s proclamations and commendations portion of the agenda and followed routine business earlier in the meeting. The council did not vote on the proclamation; it was presented and accepted during the ceremony.