The Brundidge Business Association honored the Brundidge Police Department for is longstanding and continuing service at its annual membership and recognition banquet Thursday night at Collier’s Warehouse Event Center.

BBA Outgoing President Dixie Shehane said the Brundidge Police Department goes above and beyond in its efforts to keep the city’s citizens safe and the town secure.

“We appreciate the commitment and service of our Police Department and the leadership of Chief Moses Davenport,” she said.

The chief accepted the award on behalf of his department and expressed genuine appreciation for the recognition.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for 38 years and this is the first time our department has been recognize by the community,” Davenport said. “It’s touching. I’m proud of our police department and the City of Brundidge. Thank you for giving us this recognition. It’s beautiful.”

The BBA also recognized the Teachers of the Year at the local schools.

Ashley Fuller, Pike County High School, and Rachel Everett, Pike County Elementary School, received the prestigious awards.

Willie Wright, PCHS principal, said Fuller was chosen for the recognition by her peers.

“It makes a difference when those who work with you select you to be recognized,” Wright said.

Fuller said her purpose as a teacher is to push and encourage her students to be the best they can be and to be there for them along the way.

Sylvia Haslan, PCES principal, said Everett is a “super fantastic teacher,” who was born to stand out.

“And, she does stand out,” Haslan said.

Everett said her heart is at PCES and it is gratifying to be able to give back to the school she attended as a child.

Shehane recognized Amanda Trawick as the artist commissioned to paint a mural depicting scenes from Brundidge in the early to mid-1900s. The paintings for the mural were on display at the banquet.

Trawick thanked the BBA for giving her the opportunity to paint the mural and to learn more about her hometown during the research for ideas for the mural.

“It is an honor for me and I hope that the mural will be a bridge between the older and younger generations in our town,” she said.

Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage said Brundidge is a town of slightly more than 2,000 but has an annual budget of $12 million.

“That says a lot about our town,” Ramage said and added that Brundidge is financially sound and is on the upward move.

“We recently purchased 222 acres in the North Industrial Park where a new industry will locate,” he said. “We have to other industries that are looking at the park. We have a lot going right now.”

Shehane said, too, that many positive things are happening in Brundidge, with several new businesses and expansions.

“Brundidge is a great place to live work and play and I’m proud to say that I live, work and play in Brundidge,” Shehane said.

She turned the gavel over to Isabelle Boyd who will serve at president of the BBA in 2016. Boyd said she will be asking for help and support as the BBA moves forward in its leadership of the business community.