MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The City of Murfreesboro and elected city leaders will gather later this month to honor ten former city employees as the inaugural recipients of the Legacy Recognition Program, a new initiative designed to celebrate individuals whose public service helped shape the city’s growth and quality of life.

The official “City Legacies” recognition event is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the City Hall Rotunda. Shane McFarland and members of City Council will formally recognize the honorees for their lasting contributions to Murfreesboro’s advancement, enrichment, and community well-being. Area residents are invited to attend the ceremony and take part in the celebration.

The ten inaugural Legacy Recognition recipients include retired city leaders and department heads who collectively represent decades of service across public safety, administration, finance, transportation, and parks and recreation. Those being honored are Sherry Carpenter, Glenn Chrisman, Roger Haley, Susan McGannon, Johnny Mosby, Dennis Rainier, Dana Richardson, Bobby Swann, Billy Vinson, and Melissa Wright. As part of the recognition, each inductee will receive an award, a personalized letter of appreciation from the mayor or a designated city official, and permanent inclusion on the “Wall of City Legacies” located in the City Hall Rotunda.

City officials say the Legacy Recognition Program is intended to go beyond acknowledging job titles, instead highlighting the lasting impact these individuals had on Murfreesboro through innovation, leadership, and dedication to public service. According to program materials, the honorees helped enhance quality of life through parks, public spaces, and community programs; strengthened public trust through integrity and excellence in city operations; supported economic growth through infrastructure and development initiatives; and fostered a strong sense of community through programs focused on safety, education, and civic engagement.

The Legacy Recognition Program was launched in June 2025 and invited the public to nominate retired city employees whose careers exemplified dedication, integrity, and long-term impact. Eligibility criteria included a minimum of 20 years of continuous service or 30 years of combined service with the city, full retirement for at least two years, departure from city employment in good standing, and eligibility regardless of whether the nominee is living or deceased.

City leaders say the inaugural ceremony marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to formally honor retired employees whose work continues to influence Murfreesboro across generations.