Tugboat Named For Long-serving Vulcan Employee

US company Vulcan Materials christens new tugboat 'Hazel Demery' in honor of nurse with 58 years of company service.

The new tugboat for the company's Grand Rivers facility is named for Hazel Demery, a prominent figure in the Grand Rivers community.  Mrs. Demery was guest of honor at the christening ceremony held at Vulcan's harbor, which is adjacent to the Kentucky Dam & Locks.

Beginning in 1951, Mrs. Demery worked as a nurse for Reed Crushed Stone, which was acquired by Vulcan in 1990.  Mrs. Demery continued working for Vulcan until she retired in 2009 with 58 years of service.

Darren Hicks, Vulcan's director of human resources – Southern and Gulf Coast Area said, "Hazel's exemplary life has focused on service to our Company, her community, her family and her church.  I can think of no person more deserving of this honor than Hazel."

Vulcan's Grand Rivers facility includes a large limestone quarry, processing plant and harbor. They ship large quantities of stone by barge on the Mississippi River and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.