Public servants honored for delivering needed services to Thurston County community

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially proclaimed May 7 to May 13 as Public Service Recognition Week.

The BOCC said the week is a chance to honor the contributions of public employees at every level of government.

"Without these public servants at every level, continuity would be impossible in a democracy that regularly changes its leaders and elected officials," the proclamation read.

Sheriff Derek Sanders attended the BOCC meeting on June 9 to accept and honor the proclamation.

"The people inside this room here are a huge reason why there is no chaos in our community," said Sanders. "From Public Works to our Medics and ambulance drivers to law enforcement to Corrections, it sounds really cliche, but we are really the fabric that holds a lot of this stuff together."

Public Works Assistant Director Karen Weiss also attended the meeting, saying she is privileged to work for Public Works alongside an "amazing group of people coming to work to deliver services to the community."

Director of Emergency Services Ben Miller Todd and District Court Probation Manager Raul Salazar were also present in the meeting to accept the proclamation.

"[It's] kind of a rough year with some staffing issues, but we've been plugging away and doing all the work we're supposed to do and serving our community," said Salazar.

Along with the proclamation, Thurston's HR Director Maria Ponte announced that one county employee would celebrate 40 years in service, two would celebrate their 35th year, and six would celebrate their third decade in the service.