Thurston County celebrates public works professionals 'everyday heroes' and ‘unsung heroes”

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners declared the third week of May, 15 to 21, National Public Works Week during their Tuesday meeting on May 17.

This year's theme is titled "Ready and Resilient" to encourage the public to consider public works professionals as "everyday heroes," Road Operations Manager Mike Lowman explained.

"Whether it's cleaning up after damaging rains, performing scheduled road maintenance to keep us moving, or providing support to utility customers, public works professionals are always ready to serve and resilient as ever," said Lowman.

Thurston Public Works Director Jennifer Walker said the celebration of the 62nd National Public Works Week is an opportunity to recognize the essential services provided by public works professionals.

"We have an amazing public works team, and this is the one time of the year that we get to thank them," Walker said.

In its proclamation, the Thurston Board of County Commissioners recognized the more than 200 public works professionals who plan, design, build, operate and maintain facilities and infrastructure in the county.

"You keep this community running smoothly," Commissioner Carolina Mejia commented.

Commissioner Tye Menser said he appreciates the good work that is going on in the public works department.

"We hear a lot of criticisms, negative aspects of what's going on," said Menser. "But I would say that two-thirds or three-fourths of the time when I get 'kudos,' which happens once in a while, it's the Public Works Department that gets the kudos."

Meanwhile, Commissioner Gary Edwards called the public works professionals "unsung heroes" that keep the society moving along.