KNIGHTDALE - A crowd of about 100 Knightdale residents and town officials bid farewell to one 12-year councilman last week while welcoming a new face to take his place.

Councilman Tim Poirier, at his final town council meeting last Monday, was honored by the town and presented with an award for his public service.

“I’ve known Tim personally, professionally, and through the town, and he’s the same genuine person everywhere he goes,” Councilman Jeff Eddins said. “He always had the town’s best interest at heart and governed without any interest for personal gain.”

Each council member spoke about Poirier’s influence as a councilman. Many gave Poirier credit for the town’s progress in building a more closely knit community.

“He’s always been consistent and level-headed,” Councilman Mike Chalk said. “Tim brought a lot of people together because he knows a lot of people by just being a good listener through his practice.”

Poirier, speaking in front of the town council bench, told the crowd that the past 12 years had been some of the best of his life, but that he chose not to seek reelection because he wants to spend more time with his family.

“I’ve worked with a great staff and a great council, and as a town we’ve been able to do some great things,” Poirier said.

Poirier then closed the first of the night’s two town council meetings, took his wife Kristen’s arm, and strolled out the Town Hall doors.

As Town Council entered its second session, Dustin Tripp was sworn-in as Poirier’s replacement.

Tripp works in the engineering department for the City of Raleigh. Tripp was endorsed by Poirier because of his enthusiasm for expanding Knightdale’s parks, greenways and recreational opportunities.

Also sworn-in were Councilman James Roberson and Mayor Russell Killen.

Both are entering their second terms in office.