Ferndale DPW Director Byron Photiades Retires

Byron Photiades turned in his retirement papers as Director of Public Works after 39 years with the City of Ferndale, according to a press release from the city.

Photiades started working with the city in 1973 as Recreation Supervisor and was promoted to Director of Parks and Recreation in 1977. He remained in this position until July 16, 1986 when he was promoted to the Director of Public Works.

Citing a desire to spend more time with his family - which became even more important after the - Photiades hung up his keys and asked for a quiet exit, the release states.

The City appreciates his 39 years of service,” City Manager April Lynch said in the release. “Byron had a lot of pride for the City of Ferndale, and you knew it as soon as you hit our borders. We will be looking at the same quality in our next DPW Director."

The city will be contracting with OHM, an engineering and planning firm out of Livonia, to assist in the interim duties. Loyd Cureton will be the interim Director of Public Works, with a contract for 90 days.

“I hope to have a new Public Works Director by December 1, 2012, hopefully by the time the snow flies," Lynch said. “We have wonderful staff at DPW, and I am confident during this transition that we will maintain the same service level our residents have come to expect.”