LEONARDTOWN, Md. — There was a pause in the room Tuesday morning — a rare, quiet moment during the St. Mary’s County Commissioners meeting — as Commissioner President Randy Guy stepped forward to recognize two retirements that, in his words, marked a loss for county government.
“Sad part of the program,” Guy began. “And I say sad because it’s sad for the county government. They were losing, or at least, as far as I’m concerned, we’re losing two good employees.”
Though retirement is often celebrated, Guy made it clear the occasion carried mixed emotions.
“Now for them, they’re happy, probably, because they’re retired,” he said. “And I respect that, but I wish they wouldn’t.”
Honoring 20 Years of Service: Raymond D. Pilger, Dept. of Public Works and Transportation
The first recognition was for Raymond Pilger, whose two decades of service left a lasting impression on colleagues and leadership alike.
“The commissioners of St. Mary’s County officially commend Raymond Pilger for 20 years of outstanding, praiseworthy and dedicated service to the St. Mary’s County Government,” Guy read. “For your diligence, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence, you have rightfully earned the community’s gratitude, respect, and admiration.”
Pilger, standing before a room filled with coworkers and supporters, reflected on his time with the county with gratitude.
“Almost everybody in here, I know,” he said. “I visit you one time or another, but I appreciate working with you guys for the past 20 years. It’s been an honor to be your friend and coworker.”
A 25-Year Legacy: Randy Miedzinski, Dept. of Public Works and Transportation
The second retirement recognized was Randy Miedzinski, whose 25 years of service drew heartfelt remarks from Guy.
“I hate to see you go, bud,” Guy said. “We know it’s time when you get to, you know, when you’re trying to retire, but I, uh, personally hate to see this man leave. He’s done a heck of a job for us, and he’s always there when you need him.”
Reading from the official commendation, Guy continued:
“The commissioners of St. Mary’s County officially commend James Randy Miedzinski for 25 years of outstanding, praiseworthy and dedicated service with the St. Mary’s County Government. For your diligence, dedication, relentless pursuit of excellence, you have rightfully earned the community’s gratitude, respect and admiration.”
Miedzinski, addressing the room, acknowledged the many people who shaped his career.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming. It’s been an honor,” he said. “My crew, uh, my family… I’m just glad to get through with that, and be able to retire, and leave everybody, I think, in pretty good shape.”
“So, I’m hoping that I did a good job,” he added. “And thank you all very much. Appreciate everything.”
He closed by recognizing the breadth of those who supported him throughout his career.
“Commissioners, all the departments, there’s too many people to list. So, and my staff, especially, so it’s been great. Thank you.”
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As both men posed for photos surrounded by colleagues, the room filled with applause, a fitting sendoff for decades of public service.
For Guy, the moment underscored a reality he’s faced often during his tenure.
“I’ve read too many of these, the last 11 1/2 years,” he said. “And I hate to see good people leave.”
Still, the message remained clear: while their departures mark the end of long careers in public service, both Pilger and Miedzinski leave behind legacies defined by dedication, reliability and a commitment to the community they served.
You can watch the retirement recognition video below at 33:00.
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