The City of Bogalusa did a great thing in recognizing former long-time Public Works Department employee Johnnie Weary.

Weary received a certificate of recognition from Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette for her outstanding service at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

The recognition was a long time in coming, as Weary retired 10 years ago after putting in over 29 years on the job. Weary was the first female and first black female to be employed with the public works department.

Public Works Director James Hall said Weary’s work ethic was second to none. She retired from the department two days after Hall became director. Hall said employees like Weary make a huge impact.

“If I had five or six more like her I could tear this city up,” Hall said. “If she hadn’t retired, I would have moved her up higher.”

Weary led the ditching crew when she was with the public works department. She cut overgrown grass and took care of anything else that needed attention.

“When you lead the crew, you’re working and not just watching,” Hall said. “To this day, she has a great work ethic. She is not going to stop.”

Weary stays busy cleaning up at a local laundromat.

The Daily News salutes Johnnie Weary for the recognition and for her years of service to the city.