GULF SHORES, Ala. – Roy Collins of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management has been a superstar helping the city since the BP oil spill hit the area in May, officials say.

At a recent council meeting, he was recognized with a certificate of appreciation by the mayor and Coastal Plains Manager Brandan Franklin.

“He’s what I call the ADEM beach specialist,” Franklin said. “We’ve not only developed a good working relationship together but I’ve also gained a friendship knowing him. When the oil spill happened in 2010 he was one of the first responders to hit the beach after the oil started impacting our area. He and I walked many miles of beaches together and we sat in countless hours of meeting during this time.”

Collins continues to walk the beaches and calling in reports of tar or oil to the National Response Center to get the beaches cleaned.

“I can tell you for all the hours I’ve put in on this, he’s probably tripled or quadrupled that time,” Franklin said. “He has served as local liaison for the mayor’s voices to be heard by BP. He’s served the state coordinator and has been the state’s voice during this time.

“He’s continues to make sure BP is doing their job in cleaning up the oil and that’s evident by the number of NRC reports he’s calls in daily. I’ve personally witnesses his aggressiveness throughout this whole process. He’s probably at the top of BP’s hit list.”

Craft read the certificate which in part said: For your tireless efforts with all of Alabama’s coastal communities to ensure the highest standards of oil removal from the Deep Water Horizon oil spill. Your efforts have resulted in our sugar-white beaches being returned to their pristine conditions. You have been instrumental in bringing about an excellent quality of life for the citizens of Gulf Shores.”