(March 23, 2017) A ceremony at Berlin Town Hall Monday honored honored 22 town employees for their combined 255 years of service.
The awards are based on the time of service as of Dec. 31 each year. This year was the third event of its kind and saw a record number of employees recognized.
“Basically, it’s an opportunity to recognize the dedication and the service that they genuinely provide as town employees,” Mayor Gee Williams said.
Williams spoke to the staff about what it means to be “an outstanding public servant.”
“It’s not doing just the things that you are asked, but the things you do without being asked. It’s not just doing the things that are required, but are necessary to do things right,” he said. “We recognize these employees for all the things they do for which they are not compensated – not in the traditional term.
“All the councilmembers, myself and the town administrator are all very proud of all the things they do every day for which they do not seek recognition – that’s why we decided to do this,” Williams added.
Along with their traditional families, Williams said many of the town employees also feel they are a part of the greater family of Berlin.
“I think that’s the way they think of their jobs – they’re not just serving people, but they’re serving the residents, the workers and the guests that come to our community,” he said. “I just see a lot of pride in what they do and it’s often a lot of little things – picking up trash when no one is looking, or checking on a leak when maybe nobody has reported it other than another town employee.
“It’s a lot of little things, and, quite frankly, I think it’s the little things that add up,” Williams continued. “I’m pleased that we get the number of calls and emails and letters from the public of the good job they’re doing, but I think it’s appropriate and the right thing to do for the mayor and council to also acknowledge their work.”
Employees honored for five years of service were Berlin Police Department Detective Jessica Collins, Police Officer Brian Hirshman, Police Dispatcher Meredith Moore and Town Attorney David Gaskill.
Employees honored for 10 years of service were Berlin Police Department Detective Claude Holland and Police Dispatcher Jennifer Kosko, Permits Coordinator Carolyn Duffy, Mayor’s Assistant JoAnn Unger, Waste Water and Public Works Superintendent Jamey Latchum, Fiscal Specialist Shirley White, Samuel Corbin of sanitation and Michelle Townsend of customer service.
Also honored were Berlin Police Department Sgt. Michael O’Connor and Equipment Operator Billy Taylor, 15 years, and Berlin Police Department Officer Merle Bragg and Spray Site Operator Michael Campbell, 20 years.
Employees honored for 25 years of service were Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing, Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen, Public Works and Water Resources Director Jane Kreiter and Senior Labs Manager Noah David Evans.
Electric Meter Technician Barry Daniels was honored for 30 years of service, and Berlin Police Department Records Clerk Bernita Downing was recognized for 35 years.
The awards are based on the time of service as of Dec. 31 each year. This year was the third event of its kind and saw a record number of employees recognized.
“Basically, it’s an opportunity to recognize the dedication and the service that they genuinely provide as town employees,” Mayor Gee Williams said.
Williams spoke to the staff about what it means to be “an outstanding public servant.”
“It’s not doing just the things that you are asked, but the things you do without being asked. It’s not just doing the things that are required, but are necessary to do things right,” he said. “We recognize these employees for all the things they do for which they are not compensated – not in the traditional term.
“All the councilmembers, myself and the town administrator are all very proud of all the things they do every day for which they do not seek recognition – that’s why we decided to do this,” Williams added.
Along with their traditional families, Williams said many of the town employees also feel they are a part of the greater family of Berlin.
“I think that’s the way they think of their jobs – they’re not just serving people, but they’re serving the residents, the workers and the guests that come to our community,” he said. “I just see a lot of pride in what they do and it’s often a lot of little things – picking up trash when no one is looking, or checking on a leak when maybe nobody has reported it other than another town employee.
“It’s a lot of little things, and, quite frankly, I think it’s the little things that add up,” Williams continued. “I’m pleased that we get the number of calls and emails and letters from the public of the good job they’re doing, but I think it’s appropriate and the right thing to do for the mayor and council to also acknowledge their work.”
Employees honored for five years of service were Berlin Police Department Detective Jessica Collins, Police Officer Brian Hirshman, Police Dispatcher Meredith Moore and Town Attorney David Gaskill.
Employees honored for 10 years of service were Berlin Police Department Detective Claude Holland and Police Dispatcher Jennifer Kosko, Permits Coordinator Carolyn Duffy, Mayor’s Assistant JoAnn Unger, Waste Water and Public Works Superintendent Jamey Latchum, Fiscal Specialist Shirley White, Samuel Corbin of sanitation and Michelle Townsend of customer service.
Also honored were Berlin Police Department Sgt. Michael O’Connor and Equipment Operator Billy Taylor, 15 years, and Berlin Police Department Officer Merle Bragg and Spray Site Operator Michael Campbell, 20 years.
Employees honored for 25 years of service were Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing, Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen, Public Works and Water Resources Director Jane Kreiter and Senior Labs Manager Noah David Evans.
Electric Meter Technician Barry Daniels was honored for 30 years of service, and Berlin Police Department Records Clerk Bernita Downing was recognized for 35 years.