After more than four decades of dedicated service, Kannapolis City Attorney Walter M. (“Wally”) Safrit, II has retired. Wally has been the City’s sole attorney since its incorporation, serving the citizens of Kannapolis for 41 years.

Although Kannapolis originated in the early 1900s as a company town for Cannon Mills, it was not officially incorporated as a city until 1984. At that pivotal moment in the city's history, Wally was in private practice with the law firm of Rutledge, Friday, Safrit and Smith. He played a key role in supporting a group of local leaders through the incorporation process. In February 1985, he was officially appointed as the first City Attorney. Wally continued to manage his private legal practice while serving the City until 2011, when he became Kannapolis’ first full-time in-house attorney.

“Wally has played a critical role in virtually every consequential event in the City’s history, including construction of two baseball stadiums, development of the City’s first industrial park, the construction of the City Hall and Police Headquarters, and the revitalization of Downtown Kannapolis,” said Mike Legg, City Manager.  “Having worked with Wally for the past 30 years, I have seen first-hand how his contributions over the years have helped shape the Kannapolis we know today,”

In recognition of his lasting contributions, the Kannapolis City Council has honored Wally by naming the Gem Theatre balcony in his honor. As a lifelong resident of Kannapolis, the Gem Theatre has special significance for Wally. He was instrumental in the City's efforts to acquire and preserve the historic landmark. The dedication of the Gem Theatre balcony will serve as a reminder of the instrumental impact Wally had on the Gem Theatre and on the City as a whole.

Walter M. Safrit Park, which was named in honor of Wally’s father, was also renamed Safrit Park by City Council to memorize the contributions of the entire Safrit family. Wally's dedication to Kannapolis runs deep and is rooted in a family legacy of community service. His father, Walter M. Safrit I, was a long-serving leader at the Kannapolis YMCA and played a pivotal role in establishing it as a cornerstone of the community.

“Wally will be greatly missed. His institutional knowledge of every legal agreement and contract, the City’s history, and his relationships with residents and staff have made him an integral part of our organization,” said Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant.

“It was a distinct honor and privilege to serve my hometown for so many years,” Wally commented.

Wally was also presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Josh Stein and Congressman Addison McDowell presented Wally with a flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol and a resolution which was read into the Congressional Record.

Wally has also served a number of civic organizations including the Rotary Club, Kannapolis Educational Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA Board, and the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, among others.