Council honors the late Councilman Boshers, city retirees

Aug. 11--Columbia City Council members wore heavy hearts this past week as they paid tribute to former councilman Steve Boshers at the council's first voting meeting since his death July 31.

A bouquet of flowers was placed at Boshers' usual seat Thursday night, where he had represented the city's second ward after being elected in 2016. Members of his family, including his wife Lisa, son Joseph, daughters Kendall and Linzy, his grandchildren and both his parents, were also present.

"It's been a tough week for all of us, a lot of questions and a lot of uncertainties, but mostly a lot of grief and sorrow," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "The thing about Steve is that he led by the example of 'leave it better than you found it.' If there's anything you can say about Councilman Boshers, he left Columbia in a better position than when he came on board as a council member."

Each council member took a few moments to share words with the family about working with Boshers, describing him as a person with a deep passion for his community, his family, his faith and his willingness to serve.

Councilman Mark King, who was second cousin to Boshers and pallbearer at his funeral, said they were lifelong friends, and that he should be remembered for his service, his ministry and the heart he carried for his family.

"I'm going to miss him and will always cherish our time together," King said. "He loved his family, and there are no ways to put into words that he would always do what he needed to do, and I mean anything, and how he loved his service to the city and the second ward. He really loved the second ward."

Vice Mayor Christa Martin added that Boshers was not only a great family man, but a great friend.

"I know so many people in the second ward, and they always had great things to say about Steve Boshers," Martin said. "I hope and pray that memories, moments and God's mercy will sustain [the family]. He certainly worked hard to make it a better place, and I appreciate that and shall never forget it."

Police captain retires

The Council also paid special recognition to retiring Columbia Police Captain Troy Potts, who was presented with a commemorative plaque and check, who has been with the department for 26 years.

Columbia Police Chief Tim Potts and Assistant Chief Jeremy Alsup shared a few words about Potts' retirement and career with the department, describing him as a great colleague and mentor for new recruits.

"This is bittersweet, because Troy and I have worked together for quite some time," Chief Potts said. He's been an outstanding member of the police department. He's always been a mentor for young officers, especially when he was in patrol. He's covered just about every kind of assignment we could ask for in the police department, and the young officers always looked up to him."

As a captain, Potts was involved in CPD's division of support services, which trains officers in how the department works, as well as equipment, narcotics investigations, anything to prepare a law enforcement officer for his or her career.

Potts was also instrumental in overseeing the department's move from the former station located off James M. Campbell Boulevard to its current facility at 707 North Main Street.

"Without you all having the confidence in me to do my job, I wouldn't have been able to do it and be as successful as I have been," Potts told his fellow officers and council members. "I'm going to miss the Columbia Police Department, really almost everything about it, but it's my time to move on and do other things. I'm going to miss each and every one of you all, and the support you've given me over the years. It's been a ride, but a good one, and I appreciate what the city of Columbia and its citizens have done for me over the years."

Potts added that, although he is retiring from CPD as captain, he isn't done working. He will now take his new position working hospital security for Maury Regional Medical Center.

Councilman Greene proclamation

Councilman Mike Greene was given quite the surprise at the conclusion of the council's regular meeting with a proclamation recognizing his recent retirement from TriStar Bank, where he served as president.

Greene's 54-year work life has covered an array of business opportunities over the years, including manager at JC Penny, an insurance salesman, a partner at Redman Davis, bought and ran Greene Office Supply, the Great Outdoors Sporting Goods store, was the general manager at Columbia Machine Works and finally as president of TriStar.

His service as a city, county and state leader includes working as a County Executive from 1986-1990, as Commissioner of Safety with the State of Tennessee from 1994-2002 and currently represents the city's fourth ward as councilman, which he has served since 2010. Greene has also served as Past President of Rotary and several boards such as the Board of Directors/Trustees for Columbia Academy, Freed-Haldeman University, Maury Regional Medical Center and currently serves on the Columbia Power and Water Systems Board of Public Utilities.

"The absolute most enjoyable thing to do is work and serve others," Greene said. "It's the one thing we should all keep in our minds, that God puts us on this Earth to serve other people. Thank you very much."

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