Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Public Works Director Richard Hardy honored Terrial Small as the December 2014 Employee of the Month at the Dec. 11 City Council Meeting. Small received a framed certificate, a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque displayed inside of City Hall.

Small’s career with the city began in December 2007 as a laborer in the Engineering Department. In 2011, Small transferred to the Public Works Department to become a crew leader at the Sunset Hill Cemetery, where he is responsible for organizing and supervising the care and maintenance of the cemetery. He also locates and coordinates the opening and closing of gravesites, and assists the supervisor in selling cemetery lots. Furthermore, Small is able to assume all responsibilities of the supervisor when necessary. 

Small’s compassion on the job has undeniably proven to be one of his best assets. Recently, he went the extra mile in consoling a grieving widow that arrived at the cemetery for assistance. After meeting with the citizen, it appeared that she only needed an empathetic ear to listen to her grieve, and Small was there to do just that.

Small also serves as a vital member of the city’s Employee Relations Committee and helps plan employee events such as the city’s annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. His cooperative and enthusiastic personality is admired and appreciated by both his peers and leadership.

The City of Valdosta applauds Terrial Small for his dedication to providing exceptional customer service to the Valdosta community and for being named the December 2014 Employee of the Month.