RG County recognizes 100 years of service

DEL NORTE— The Rio Grande County Commissioners paused during their meeting on Dec. 27 to recognize several employees for an accumulated 100 years of service.

Commissioners Chairwoman Karla Shriver began the presentation by stating that the county worked as a wheel with all of their employees serving as spokes within the mechanism and that the county would not be able to function without each and every one of the employees.

“I know I say this a lot, but it’s as true today as it is any other time. We can’t do what we do with out your help and dedication,” said Shriver.

“This is one of the great things we get to do as commissioners. We get the opportunity to recognize our outstanding employees for their service to the county and it is an honor to be able to do this,” continued Shriver. “Many employees can go without recognition for their hard work until times like today and it means the world to us to be able to pause and recognize them for their dedication. We have an accumulation of 100 years of service between the employees that we will recognize today, and that is just amazing.”

The commissioners’ chamber was packed with not only the employees that would be receiving awards, but with their coworkers as well.

“I think it is just wonderful that not only the employees receiving the awards are present today, but their friends and family take time out of their day to see them be recognized for their hard work,” said Commissioner Suzanne Bothell.

Commissioner Gene Glover also took a moment to state that he too thought the gesture was well deserved and that it was a privilege to have so many long-term employees.

Commissioners handed out 11 awards with a small pin, recognizing the years of service for each of the following employees of Rio Grande County: Jessica Sierra for 15 years of service, Gregorio Parra for 15 years of service, Dixie Diltz for five years, Christina Rodriguez for five years, Megan Gallegos for five years, Jared Quintana for five years, Shaun Sierra for 10 years, Shawna Johnston for five years, Carol Voris for 25 years, Jim Evans for five years and Jack Rudder, also for five years.

Each employee was thanked by all three commissioners and a round of applause from their coworkers.

“We thank you for your service and hope that you will continue to serve the county for many years to come,” said Shriver.   

Caption: Rio Grande County employees were recognized for their years of service during the commissioners' December 27th meeting./Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell