That's a lot of years; town employees honored for length of service

Twenty employees of the Town of Friday Harbor were recognized by the Town Council Thursday for their years of service.

Among the honorees were Jerry Gates of the Street Department, who has worked for the town since February 1974. Mike Wilks, Town Shop superintendent, joined the town in September 1976.

Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Brooks led off the recognition with a few statistics:

— The Town has 37 employees.
— Of that number, 26 are being recognized this year for their longevity of service to the town.
— Twenty were present Thursday; others were to be recognized the following week.
— Six of the remaining 11 employees will be recognized next year.
— Some employees asked to remain anonymous and not be recognized publicly.

The Town Council decided in June to recognize long-term employees who have worked for the town for five, 10, 15, 20 or more years. Employees whose years of service didn't end with a 5 or 0 received the most appropriate award. All received certificates of service and centennial keychains.

Receiving five-year awards:
— Paula Bey, Town Shop, seven years.
— Bill Crosby, Sewer Department, six years.
— Norm Hansen, Water Treatment Department, eight years.
— Shane Mason, Water Department, seven years.
— Jason Minikin, Water Department, six years.
— Jeff Peacock, Street Department, seven years.
— Matt Pranger, Sewer Department, seven years.
— Keri Talbott, Finance Department, six years.
— Roxanna Zalmanek, Planning Department, nine years.

Receiving 10-year awards:
— Frank Byrne, Water Treatment Department, 14 years.

Receiving 15-year awards:
— Allan Brown, Refuse Department, 19 years.
— Mike Deegan, Water Department, 18 years.
— Herb Mason, Sewer Department, 18 years.

Receiving 20-year awards:
— Steven Dubail, System Administration, 20 years.
— King Fitch, town administrator, 21 years.
— Wendy Picinich, town treasurer and finance officer, 24 years.
— Don Reitan, Sewer Department, 23 years.

Receiving 30-year awards:
— Jerry Gates, Street Department, 34 years.
— Kevin Kirk, Sewer Department, 30 years.
— Mike Wilks, Town Shop superintendent, 32 years.

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