TIFTON — The City of Tifton has received the System Operational Achievement Recognition award from the American Public Gas Association, making them one of 25 organizations in the country to have that honor.

Danny Lyndall, regional vice president for ESG Operations, a partner organization to the city, reported during the July 22 city council meeting that the Tifton natural gas utility department had been given the SOAR Award as congratulations for their safe, efficient, and excellent operation of the city’s natural gas systems.

Lyndall explained that the award was distributed to members of the American Public Gas Association after demonstrating excellence in four specific criteria — system integrity, safety, system improvement and workforce development.

He was proud to announce that of the 750 publicly owned natural gas systems across the country that are part of the association, Tifton’s was in the less than 1% who held the distinction of this award.

Adam Cobb, city utilities manager, also expressed his admiration for the natural gas utility team, asking several of his staff to join him at the podium to be recognized for getting the department to the level of safety, performance, and excellence they were praising today.