Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

West Point’s city clerk of 34 years, Richard McCoy, has announced his retirement from the position and was honored with proclamations several times over and a standing ovation at the West Point work session on Wednesday night. 

West Point Mayor Steve Tramell read not one but two proclamations in honor of McCoy’s time serving the city and the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association (GMCA). One of the proclamations came from the mayor of Brunswick, Georgia. 

The proclamation reads, “Richard McCoy has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the city of West Point with his knowledge of the city, his willingness to tackle any tasks that needed to be done, many long hours spent at City Hall, and whereas Richard McCoy made a measurable impact during his employment with the City of West Point, and will continue to have an impact on the city for years to come.”

McCoy began his career with the city of West Point as a clerk and technical support in 1990. He continued in the position until 2005, when he was promoted to the position of assistant city clerk/HR. Later, in 2007, McCoy became the city clerk and has remained there ever since.

“Richard, I just really appreciate what a great help you’ve been to me over the years, what a great assist you’ve been to the citizens of West Point,” Tramell said, “Because there’s been many times that we’ve needed your assistance. So you come through every time. So I really appreciate it very much.”

During his tenure, McCoy served as a District 4 director for the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association, which includes nine Georgia cities, according to one proclamation. 

“This proclamation is presented to Richard to serve as a reminder that although he is retiring, he will always be remembered as a valued employee and fellow clerk to all Georgia clerks dedicated to the West Point Community in his position as city clerk,” reads the proclamation from the city of Brunswick, Georgia. 

Not only that but McCoy received the Georgia Municipal Clerk Certification, the Master’s Education Management Development Certification, International Institute of Municipal Clerk Certification, and “was selected as the 2022 Georgia Municipal Clerk of the Year for his ongoing compassion, hard work and dedication,” Tramell read from the West Point proclamation.

McCoy received a standing ovation from every single council member as well as all of the city employees in the room. 

“We wish you well indeed. We will miss you. We know you’re still a phone call away, and so we pray that God will continue to bless you and your family,” said Councilmember Sandra Thornton.

McCoy was recently honored with the GMCA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his years as West Point’s city clerk as well as his contributions to the organization itself. 

Debra Walker Reed, the president of the GMCA, also attended the work session on Tuesday to read out a third proclamation and a letter from the mayor of St. Marys, Georgia in McCoy’s honor.

“As we celebrate your career and your contributions to improving the life of residents in West Point, this is also your lasting lesson for us to remember our colleague who embodies the very essence of local government with three words: service, dedication and leadership,” Reed said.

“GMCA is thankful for your involvement as a member, District 4 director, and chairperson of various boards, and for shaping our policies and guidelines. Your impact extends beyond the professional environment,” Reed said. “You created a legacy which is a testament to your commitment to ensuring a standard it’s not just set, but that it has exceeded.”