Boyd Pugh has been named the public safety director by Valley Grande.

Pugh will step into the role on Oct. 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.

The hiring is a big step for the fledgling municipality. Valley Grande is already experiencing from growing pains.

The new position, along with the opening of the public safety building, set just a few weeks away, will provide the community a foundation to prepare for more growth.

The public safety building will serve as a staging center for the fire department and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.

Pugh currently works as an inspector for the Selma Housing Authority, where he says he has worked part-time for 18 years.

He retired from the Selma Fire Department after serving 26 years and has worked as a state fire inspector and has many safety training courses under his belt.

He and his family reside in Valley Grande.

The process of filling the safety director position took “almost a year,” according to Mayor Tom Lee.

Valley Grande appears to be taking the proper steps in providing an efficiently-run city government. That can translate into a safer community for its residents.