Volunteer firefighters and municipal staff in Chatham-Kent who have dedicated anywhere from a decade to half a century of service to the community are being recognized for their commitment.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent recently honoured 270 people who have reached service milestones.
Two volunteer firefighters recognized include Volunteer Fire Captain Doug Ford of Station 10 and Volunteer Firefighter Wayne Harris of Station 20. Ford is celebrating 55 years of service, while Harris is marking 45 years. In total, 41 volunteer firefighters were recognized during a recent event. Between those 41 people recognized, that amounts to a combined total of 5,533 years of service.
In regards to municipal employees, 43 employees were acknowledged for their 25 years, 47 retirees were also honoured, as were 180 employees who were in the 10 to 25-year category.
“Regardless of how well we design any plan, service or initiative, the success of what we do depends on the people who get the work done," said Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire in a statement. "I’m proud to say that we have some great employees who care deeply about what they do.”
Cathy Hoffman, chief human resource officer with the municipality, said as more people from the baby boomer generation retire, the need to recruit more quality candidates for municipal positions grows.
“We want people both locally and farther afield to know that you can have a successful and gratifying career in local government,” she said. “Attracting talent is absolutely vital to the delivery of our services.”
This is the 22nd year the employee recognition and service awards have been handed out.