Saturday, January 18, 2025
AZLE — At a Nov. 19 Azle City Council meeting, Mayor Alan Brundrett recognized three city employees for 25 years of employment and dedication to Azle.
Azle firefighter/paramedic Cliff Porch was the first to be recognized for 25 years of employment with the city that evening. Notably, Porch was a volunteer with the Azle Fire Department for about five years before he took a paid position.
“He's basically been here for 30 years, and that's just super special to us,” Brundrett said. “I'm sure this guy can tell you all kinds of stories. The city hasn't always been in the shape that it is now. There were times that they were worried that the paychecks wouldn't clear, not on my watch, obviously, but you know, before me … They stuck through it all, and this is us just showing our great appreciation.”
Lt. John Behm was recognized for 25 years of employment with the city. Behm started out working in dispatch and now heads the city’s emergency medical services where Will Scott, fire department chief, said he does a fantastic job.
“John's not a stranger to leaky roofs and trash cans on desks, along with the old consoles, which were boxes instead of computers back in the day,” Scott said. “Then pen and paper, also when the boxes didn't work, right? So, he's had lots of challenges to go with that. John actually started his career in the Colleyville area, and then transitioned over days of public safety and fortunate enough for us, he was able to stick it out.”
Described as the glue that holds the city of Azle together, Susie Hiles, assistant to the city manager, was recognized for 25 years of employment with the city.
“This person kind of holds everything together,” Brundrett said. “Even though they might not have the title of city manager, if you talk to anybody here, they manage the city.”
Hiles started her career as an administrative assistant with the Azle Police Department. When Craig Lemin, former police chief then city manager, shifted into the administrative side of things, he brought Hiles with him and there she stayed even after Lemin’s 2016 retirement.
