An emotional moment for the mayor. A sad day for the city.

That was the situation at the Troy City Council meeting Tuesday afternoon as Mayor Jimmy Lunsford read the resignation of Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage effective Oct. 1, 2011.

“A lot of things that we do in the City of Troy give me a lot of pleasure,” an emotional mayor said. “This gives me no pleasure. It’s a sad day, folks.”

Everage’s letter of resignation was addressed to the mayor and expressed appreciation to him for his support and confidence in recommending him as Troy Chief of Police nearly 14 years ago.

“We have faced many challenges and hurdles since that time and have come through these basically unscathed,” Everage wrote. “I truly appreciate the respect and support you have shown me during my service as the Chief. I will always be grateful for the relationship we have.”

Everage said it was with a great deal of thought and prayer that he came to the decision to retire.

“It is my goal to see that we have a smooth transition and will work to see that we achieve that goal,” Everage said.

Lunsford said that he is proud of what the city has been able to accomplish under Everage’s leadership.

“You took leadership of a great police department and made it better, stronger,” he said.

The council members expressed their appreciation to Everage for his outstanding leadership over the years and said that he will be greatly missed.

“We have been fortunate to have your leadership,” Council President Johnny Witherington said. “I guess as we get older, we begin to think that people are supposed to stay forever. I’m glad that God put you in our path.”

The mayor said he will instruct the city’s personnel department to begin accepting applications for someone to follow in Everage’s footsteps.

Lunsford announced the Police Memorial Week service at 9 a.m. May 18, at the site of the Police Memorial.

The mayor also requested that all city residents abide by the odd/even watering schedule due to the dry weather and the tank on George Wallace Drive being out.

Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith addressed the council to report on the progress of the Miracle Field.

“The asphalt needed some curing time and, after testing of the surfacing, the installation of the safety surfacing will be done next week,” he said.

“All of the construction work should be done by June with an opening date sometime the first or second week in June.”

Smith said $210,000 has been raised for the Miracle Field and another $20,000 has been pledged but not yet collected.

“Our final expenses should be around $230,000,” he said.

To date, 21 children have signed up to play on the Miracle Field.

Shelia Jackson, Troy director of tourism, said that May 7-15 has been set aside as National Tourism Week.

“As director of tourism, I have become keenly aware of the importance of what those who work in the hospitality and tourism industry do,” Jackson said.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who work behind the scenes and in the forefront to make this industry what it is. Pike County and Alabama need tourism to create and preserve jobs and fuel economic growth.”

The Brown Bag Lunches on the Square in Troy will continue at noon on Thursdays through the month of May. Everyone is invited to attend.