On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 159 employees were recognized at Multnomah County’s annual Years of Service Award ceremony -- marking the largest number of people honored in the past decade.
The standing-room only event drew honorees from every department, collectively representing 3095 years of service to the county.
Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury and Commissioner Diane McKeel read brief biographies of six exemplary employees, who served between 15 to 30 years, before awarding each of them with certificates of recognition.
“When people ask me what is the best thing about being at the county, I always say it’s about our employees,” said Commissioner Diane McKeel. “You can see just from the people who are here today, it’s important and we want to say thank you.”
Among those honored: County Assessor and Division of Assessment, Recording and Taxation Director Randy Walruff for 30 years of service. Mary Jane Russell with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office was honored for 25 years of service. Debbie Sweet Helgerson with the Department of Community Justice was honored for 25 years of service. Linda Patterson with the Multnomah County Library was honored for 20 years. Greg Loux with the Department of County Assets was honored for 15 and Sandra Van Lom with the Department of County Assets was also honored for 15 years of personal and professional commitment.
All employees, who attended the presentation and reached a milestone, exchanged a handshakes or hug with Chair Kafoury and Commissioner McKeel before receiving a certificate of recognition.
“Our employees make all the difference and they deserve a sincere thank you for their commitment and dedication to the residents of Multnomah County,” said Chair Kafoury.
