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History was made Monday evening in Aberdeen when Wilma Laney was sworn in as a Town Commissioner. 

The town hall was packed to the point of standing room only for this historic event. Not since 1893, has there been an African American elected in Aberdeen, and she is the first African American elected as a Town Commissioner. 

Laney replaces Buck Mims who chose not to seek re-election, so he can turn his attention to his growing family business. Mims welcomed Laney to the Board in a wonderful tribute to her accomplishments and her commitment to the community.

Laney is the former chair of the Moore County Democratic Party and former president of the Moore County Democratic Women.  In addition to her leadership in the Democratic Party, Laney is or has been involved in numerous community organizations. She is vice chair and board member of the Ruth Pauley Lecture Series; board member of the N.C. Pottery Center; board member of the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee; board member of the Aberdeen Friends of the Postmaster’s House; member of the Aberdeen Friends of the Library; member of the League of Women Voters; member of NAACP Moore County; a former tutor at Southern Pines Middle School; homework volunteer for the NAACP After-School Program; and a former board member of Moore County Department of Social Services.

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Mayor Robbie Farrell

Mayor Robbie Ferrell was re-elected and was sworn in to continue serving as Mayor of Aberdeen, and Town Commissioner Joe Dannelley continues his service to the town as a Commissioner for his second term and was also sworn in.  Both men have served in their current positions since 2013.

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Commissioner Joe Dannelley

The Aberdeen Fire Department presented eight new full-time firefighters recently hired by the town. Joining the Aberdeen Fire Department staff are (from left to right in picture) Seth Hatfield, Preston Williams, Zach Harris, Michael Moretz, Randy Davis, Brandon Dennison, Kendrick Ross-Gillespie, Jeff Hopkins.

Aberdeen Fire & Rescue recently received a $486,611 grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response to aid in funding the positions of six firefighters.

courtesy photo from Aberdeen Fire & Rescue