The Troy City Council lost a veteran member this year when District 1 Councilman Charlie “Sarge” Dunn decided to retire after 12 years in office.

Dunn had a lot of impact during his time on the council, according to friends and officials.

“Mr. Dunn was an integral part in one of the most productive times in Troy’s history,” said Mayor Jason Reeves, who also served with Dunn as a fellow councilmember. “His strong and steady leadership could always be counted on just as his constituents could always count on him to follow up and do all he could to bring a project, no matter the scope, to fruition.

“Whether a pothole or a multi-million dollar project that created hundreds of jobs, Sarge always stood ready to make it happen. I have tremendous respect for his commitment to his country and his community and willingness to serve both so well.”

Some accomplishments that Dunn took part in during his time on the city council were the addition of new industries CGI, Golden Boy Foods and KW Plastic. Other industries that were already established also expanded under Dunn’s leadership, such as Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky Aircraft and Horn Beverage.

“All this has brought new jobs to Pike County,” Dunn said.

In his time on the council, the city also built a new library, Sportsplex, nutrition center and a new bridge on Elm Street so that the city no longer needs to barricade the road when it rains.

The Troy Municipal Airport has also undergone expansion during Dunn’s service to accommodate large aircraft.

In District 1, some of Dunn’s proudest accomplishments are the paving of dirt streets such as Grace Road and New Street, the repair of Lester Road, the removal of dilapidated buildings, the removal of wooded areas on both sides of Washington Avenue, the installation of street lights on Gibbs Street and Butter and Egg Road and the cleaning of dump areas on New Street and Butter and Egg Road.

Outside of his civic service, Dunn also served in the Army, at his church, and with Charlie’s Angels, an organization he founded for retired military veterans to give back to the Pike County community.

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Johnson, a fellow Charlie’s Angel, said that Dunn has been very important in his life.

“He was like a surrogate father to me,” Johnson said. “He’s very disciplined and attentive to detail. None of that had left him since he retired from the military. I saw him still wearing his uniform and doing military activities and I was elated. I really respect him for letting me know there’s still life after the military.”

Dunn expressed gratitude for the time he was allowed to serve on the council.

“My thanks to God who makes all things possible and thanks to the citizens of District 1 for allowing me to represent them for 12 years while working with Mayor Lunsford and Mayor Reeves,” Dunn said.

“I have answered all phone calls and addressed every concern that was brought to my attention.”