The visible face of the city is the councillors and managers who regularly have their voices heard at council meetings and through conversations with media outlets.
However, the faces that truly make a difference in the operation of the city are the ones seldom identified by name or title and would pass on the street without residents having any knowledge of their identity.
These individuals were before the cameras recently at a city luncheon to honour long service employees and the employees who have retired or will soon complete their service to Moose Jaw.
It is often suggested that in today’s society, it is unusual for a person to stay in the same job for an entire work career. Longevity is put forward as an old-fashioned standard in the workforce of the 21st century. That might be true for some workers but that is definitely not the standard with the men and women receiving commendations earlier this month.
Just look at the list: Les Rigden has been employed in the engineering department for 45 years. Just imagine what he has seen below ground and on the city streets in all those years. When he decides to retire, he will take with him a vast understanding of what it takes to maintain the streets and roads and sewers and water mains of our city.
Three employees were on the list for 35 years; four for 30 years; one for 25 years; 11 at 20 years; and five for 15 years. In addition, seven are finishing their jobs in engineering, fire department and the transit department.
The mayor conveyed a message of thankfulness to the men and women who hold the life of the city in their hands. Citizens of Moose Jaw should add their appreciation and in doing so acknowledge that the employees are following the policies set by others and are doing their jobs diligently and with little fanfare.
They deserve this time in the limelight. Thank you.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
