For Immediate Release
July 1, 2025
Kara Calloway
Town of Granite Falls
(828) 929-9232
The Town of Granite Falls celebrated its dedicated employees at the Annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon held on June 19, 2025. The luncheon recognized staff for their outstanding service, career milestones, and personal and professional growth over the past year.
Service Milestones
Several employees were honored for their long-standing commitment to the Town:
5 Years of Service: Police Sergeant Travis Bentley, Street Maintenance Worker Daniel Campbell, Senior
Customer Service Representative Cara Scruggs, and Street Crew Leader Rodney Stone
10 Years of Service: Electric Line Supervisor Jonathan Cook, Street Maintenance Worker Tim Cooke, and
Senior Water Plant Operator Alan Jones
15 Years of Service: Detective Sergeant Clint Ferguson, Street Maintenance Worker Ray “Possum” Keller,
and Street Maintenance Worker Roger Sigmon
25 Years of Service: Parks and Recreation Director Chad Raby
35 Years of Service: Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Joy Munday
New Employees
new team members who joined the Town’s workforce over the past year were welcomed.
Evidence Technician Tammy Bumgarner, Police Officer Tyler Bumgarner, Police Officer Andrew Chester,
Fire Lieutenant Jacob Craig, Police Records Specialist Ashley Hodge, Street Maintenance Worker Ethan
McGee, Firefighter Daniel Setzer, Firefighter Graham Triplett, Fire Engineer Cade Watson, and Recreation
Building Supervisor Ryan Winkler
Promotions
Individuals who earned well-deserved promotions were recognized.
Sworn Police Officer Nick Banning, Sworn Police Officer Tyler Bumgarner, Sworn Police Officer Myrinda
Bryant, Utility Maintenance Mechanic Shane Calloway, Electric Line Technician – Class A Hunter Fleming,
Full-Time – Police Records Specialist Ashley Hodge, Heavy Equipment Operator Gage Hoke, Police Sergeant
Madelyn Trivette, Fire Engineer Cade Watson, Fire Engineer Clay Wilson, and Fire Lieutenant Jimmy
Wilson
Education and Professional Development
Two of the Town’s Department Heads achieved significant certifications through their continued education
and commitment to growth. Finance Director/Assistant Town Manager Ashley Presnell completed her
Municipal and County Administration Certification. Fire Chief Brian Bennett attended the Civic Fellow,
Leading for Results program and received his Advanced Firefighters Certification.
Other employees that achieved milestones through continued education, certifications and personal
development:
Travis Bentley, Speed-Measuring Instrument Operator Certification
Clint Bumgarner, Grade 3 Collections Operator
Tammy Bumgarner, Property and Evidence Management Certification
Shane Calloway, Commercial Driver’s License
Daniel Campbell, Commercial Driver’s License
Jacob Craig, Advanced Firefighters Certification
Samuel Craig, Speed-Measuring Instrument Operator Certification
Katie Davis, Aquatic Facility Operator Certification
Clint Drum, Advanced Firefighters Certification
John Gibson, Master of Science, Criminal Justice
John Gibson, Less Lethal ICP Instructor Certification
Bob Hoffman, Grade 3 Collections Operator
Gage Hoke, Grade 2 Collections Operator
Shawnasi Holland, Customer Service Pro Certification
Kevin Kerley, Advanced Firefighters Certification
Doug Main, Aquatic Facility Operator Certification
Ethan McGee, Commercial Driver’s License
Katie Parlier, North Carolina Tax Collector’s Association Certification
Isaac Poythress, Aquatic Facility Operator Certification
Chad Price, Advanced Firefighters Certification
Cara Scruggs, Customer Service Pro Certification
Michael Tackett, Speed-Measuring Instrument Operator Certification
Hannah Tester, Speed-Measuring Instrument Operator Certification
Jimmy Wilson, Advanced Firefighters Certification
Justin Winebarger, Advanced Firefighters Certification
Town Manager, Daniel Cobb, stated, “Our employees are the foundation of the operations of the Town of
Granite Falls. Their dedication, professionalism, and continuous pursuit of excellence are what make this
community thrive. It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate their hard work.”
The Town of Granite Falls and the Town Council remain committed to fostering a supportive work
environment and are proud to highlight the achievements of our employees.
Photo Caption (Joy): Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Joy Munday was recognized for 35 years of
dedicated service to the Town of Granite Falls. She is pictured with Councilmember Jim Mackie, Mayor
Caryl B. Burns, Councilmembers M.D. Townsend and Larry Knight, and Town Manager Daniel P. Cobb
Photo Caption (Chad): Parks and Recreation Director Chad Raby was recognized for 25 years of
dedicated service to the Town of Granite Falls. He is pictured with Councilmember Jim Mackie, Mayor
Caryl B. Burns, Councilmembers M.D. Townsend and Larry Knight, and Town Manager Daniel P. Cobb