The exodus of veteran government employees in Calvert County continued Tuesday, June 25 as proclamations were personally presented to five individuals who are retiring. The ceremony was held during the weekly meeting of the Calvert County Commissioners.
The retirees who were honored are Department of General Services custodians Louise Brown and Clarice Fletcher, Calvert County Detention Center registered nurse Darla Olson, Department of Public Works office specialist Miracle Jacks and Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) account technician Gale Parks. A sixth individual, Harold Freeland, who retired from his job as a landfill maintenance worker June 13, was unable to attend.
“So many dedicated and long-term staff,” said Commissioners’ President Pat Nutter, who admitted the occasion was “happy and sad.”
“These are the people who support us behind the scenes,” said Commissioner Susan Shaw [R].
Brown, Fletcher, Olson and Freeland each worked for county government for over 30 years. Jacks worked for the local government for over 25 years while Parks was employed at CMM for 22 years.
“When you’ve been with the county as long as I have we’re all family,” said Jacks, who added her steady employment helped her send her children to college. “It’s been awesome being an employee for the county.”
“I want to publicly thank Gale for keeping me out of jail,” said CMM Director Doug Alves, who explained the museum’s finances earn the scrutiny of more than a few entities.
Detention center Administrator Major T.D. Reece declared Olson “is a very special person. She’s been an asset to our medical department.”
The Calvert County Government implemented an incentive program during the recently completed fiscal year 2014 budget process. The goal was to reduce costs. Last week, Department of Finance and Budget Director Tim Hayden reported 18 individuals had signed up for the program with 13 employees scheduled to retire in June.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
