Georgetown County recognized employees in its Public Services Department today as part of its annual celebration of National Public Works Week. The celebration included an awards lunch, as well as hosting of the annual regional Backhoe Rodeo.
From custodians to engineers to heavy equipment operators, “all those roles provide the public a very important function and keep our county healthy and thriving,” said Ray Funnye, Georgetown County’s Director of Public Services. “These team members are hard-working pillars of our communities, ensuring that our county is not just functioning, but vibrant and thriving.”
This year’s theme for National Public Works Week is “Enhancing Quality of Life for All,” which underscores the commitment of Public Works employees to inclusivity and equity.
“Public services are designed to benefit all community members, regardless of background or circumstances,” Funnye said. “As a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all, I'm thrilled today to announce that our department has just recently received reaccreditation from the American Public Works Association. This is a prestigious recognition in our industry, because it is a testament to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our entire staff. Achieving reaccreditation is no small feat. It requires comprehensive documentation and reviews of our policies, procedures, and practices. By adhering to all of these requirements, we truly enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens in Georgetown County.”
He recognized all the staff who played a part in helping the county achieve reaccreditation, and particularly Harley Walker of the Stormwater Division, who served as the reaccreditation committee chairperson. Members of the committee included Rodney Butler, Kevin Stimpson, Rob Burris, Roban Mears and Kristen Nelson.
The department also recognized three of its outstanding employees with awards: Haskel Linen, Sheryl Gibbs and Darren Rolston.
Linen, a Bush Hog operator, received the Green Earth Award for his efforts impacting environmental preservation. Part of his job includes cutting roadside ditches and limbs to ensure stormwater from roadways is minimally restricted. The overall results are ensuring that the roadway is not undermined, which in turn helps preserve infrastructure throughout the county, said Jacob Nesmith who presented the awards.
Gibbs, the chief custodian, received the Team Player Award. Nesmith said she stepped up when a staffing shortage created issues.
“She has been cleaning the courthouse and surrounding buildings, and not only cleaning them, but doing a good job and doing it with pride and integrity.”
The final award, the Leadership Award was presented to Darren Rolston, a projects planner with the Capital Projects Division. Rolston has gone above and beyond his duties and is “constantly utilizing his talents to improve the division and the department,” Nesmith said. “He successfully managed numerous projects and continues to uphold the ethical standards of Georgetown County. He is a fantastic communicator, a true problem solver, and consistently produces outstanding results.”
Georgetown County congratulates these employees and thanks all our employees for their hard work to improve the quality of life for all residents in our community.