By Cecilia Nasmith
Every so often, Northumberland County council takes the time to recognize employees who have reached long-service milestones.
The January meeting was just such a time, when several dozen current and former employees – recent retirees and those who have been working anywhere from five to 35 years – were honoured.
The way they have been doing their jobs has been affected over the past year by the COVID-19 pandemic, Warden Bob Crate noted, and the way they are honouring them has changed as well – at a county council meeting held virtually. Usually honourees are invited to attend county council in person, arriving in advance for a time of refreshments and fellowship.
The county council meeting is a time for them hear their names called and then walk down the council-desk horseshoe to shake each hand.
That's not possible at this point in the pandemic.
“These awards are an important opportunity to celebrate some of your hard work as we acknowledge the achievements and service of our long-time employees as they give back to our community,” the warden said.
“Your collective efforts are having an impact in our community.”
Those who have worked five years include two employees from Community and Social Services, three from Corporate Services, eight from the Golden Plough Lodge, two from Information Technology, one from Transportation, Waste and Facilities and six from Northumberland Paramedics (one of whom is Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown).
Of those who have worked 10 years, one is from Community and Social Services, six are from Northumberland Paramedics and two are from Transportation, Waste and Facilities (including Transportation, Waste and Facilities Director Mo Pannu).
Hitting the 15-year mark were three Golden Plough Lodge employees and one from Information Technology.
The numbers get smaller as the years of service rises, Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Moore noted, with four employees reaching the 20-year milestone – all from Transportation, Waste and Facilities.
Three Golden Plough Lodge employees are celebrated for 25 years on the job.
Two Golden Plough Lodge employees reached the 30-year mark.
Two more Golden Plough Lodge employees hit 35 years, along with one Northumberland Paramedic.
Recent retirees include two from the Golden Plough Lodge and one from Transportation, Waste and Facilities.
