PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – When it comes to longevity on a job, city employees hold some impressive records – and many were on hand Jan. 8 as City Council recognized their outstanding service to the community.
“We’re pleased to have such dedicated staff working for the city,” said City Manager Tom Stevens. “Their knowledge and expertise make operations run smoothly.”
Many of the honorees have been employed by the city since the 1960s and ‘70s.
“We have some staff members who began working with the city as early as 1961, 1966 and 1971,” said Council Chairman Calvin Hall.
Those honored at the Monday night session have worked for the city for a combined total of 260 years.
“You can’t put a dollar amount on that type of experience. It takes years to acquire that kind of job experience,” said City Clerk Nancy Nichols, who was present for the recognition ceremony.
Each employee honored received a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to the Aroostook Centre Mall.
Recognized for five years of service were: Patricia Jandreau, Recreation and Parks Department; Mark Lavway, Northern Maine Regional Airport; and Officer Jeff Mechalko, Presque Isle Police Department. Jandreau was present to accept her award. Lavway was unable to attend. Chief Naldo Gagnon accepted on behalf of Mechalko.
Honored for 10 years of service was Ruth Kern-Doherty, Presque Isle Industrial Park.
Receiving awards for 15 years with the city were: David Caron and Tim Gray, Public Works; Norma McEntee, City Manager’s Office; Jere Woollard, Public Works; and Richard Wark, Presque Isle Fire Department. Chief Darrell White accepted on Wark’s behalf.
Honored for 20 years on the job were Sgt. Laurie Kelly, Presque Isle Police Department; and Gerry James, director of Public Works.
Ralph LaPointe, with the Parks and Recreation Department, was recognized for 35 years of service to the city.
Sharon Willette, the tax collector at City Hall, was honored for 40 years of dedicated service to the community.
Rounding out the group was Peter Greenier, Public Works, who was recognized for passing the 45-year milestone as a city employee.
“We’ve got quite a good group of people working for us. It’s always a pleasure to recognize their achievements and acknowledge what a fine job they do,” said Stevens. “We’re lucky to have such dedicated staff. Some have 35, 40, even 45 years with us – that’s hard to imagine at any job nowadays. These are some pretty impressive numbers and some pretty impressive people.”
