(The Center Square) — Longtime Shreveport employee Gary Norman announced his retirement after 19 years of service with the city.
The Shreveport City Council acknowledged Norman’s hard work and dedication to the city in Tuesday’s meeting.
Norman, who is retiring this month, has worked under five different administrations throughout his time in public service, beginning in 1995 as chief building official to eventually being promoted to director of Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation in 1997, where he served until 2005.
“We work alongside together for the good of Shreveport, and it has been my privilege and pleasure to have that relationship with you and Mrs. Norman, I appreciate you tolerating me texting Gary over the weekends to find out information,” said Councilman Jim Taliaferro.
In 2016, Norman returned to work as chief building official and then took his current role as director of public works, where he’s been for the past six years.
“Gary Norman’s wealth of knowledge, calm demeanor, and steady leadership have earned him the respect and trust of many mayors, council members, colleagues, and citizens,” the council said.
“I am going to apologize in advance because your phone is not going to stop ringing at least for a year. It’s going to take us about a year to really get that and to understand that you’re no longer with us,” another council member said.
Norman began his work with the city during Mayor Robert W. Williams’s time in office through Mayors Keith Hightower, Ollie Tyler, Adrian Perkins and now Tom Arceneaux. Throughout all administrations, Norman notes he always being treated with respect.
Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark hired Norman in 1995 and since then, he has learned something from everyone.
“It takes somebody giving you the opportunity to show that you can do it, and I was fortunate enough to have him recognize something in me and give me a chance. That’s meant a lot to me,” Norman said.
Norman’s mother turned 93 last week and tuned into the broadcast meeting while he received his praise from the city.
He mentioned just how much of an influence she had on him when it came to respect. He also thanked his wife and is excited for this next phase in their lives.
“I hope I’ve left Shreveport better than I found it,” Norman said.