Charles H Fryer, Sr.

Longest-serving mayor of Ridgeley, WV (34 years).

From "Ridgeley residents celebrate homecoming despite rain," Keyser News Tribune (8/23/2004): It was this same giving spirit that friends and family of late Ridgeley Mayor Charles Fryer remember. Seeing a need for something for the town's children, he worked with the City of Cumberland to get them used equipment and was instrumental in establishing the local ballfield.

Fryer is best remembered for his 35 years as mayor, but his dedicated service to Ridgeley and its citizens began long before that as he served as a part-time police officer, maintenance man, chief of police and on the town council.

In total he dedicated more than 50 years of his life to Ridgeley. Ten years ago, a monument was dedicated in Fryer's honor and this week the town council will sign a proclamation presenting a key to the city to his family.

"When he began there was no levy, no floor control and parts of town were frequently under water. Under his leadership things got better," said Mayor Mitchell Reeves.

"He invested of his own time to guide our young people," said Reeves, noting the "Police Boys Club," which lives on as the Knobley Mountain Athletic Association. "His legacy goes on everyday."