Celebrated annually during the first week of May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week honors those who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. As direct service providers administering many state and federal programs, California’s counties and their employees play huge roles both in our everyday lives and during emergencies like COIVD-19 when we need services the most. While unrelated, we feel that it is only apropos that Governor Newsom’s announcement to begin  reopening California coincided with Public Service Recognition Week because of the incredible roles that County employees have played in the pandemic response and recovery.

Tremendous credit is due to public employees, specifically county workers, for your tireless efforts to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quick action has helped to successfully flatten the curve and protect lives, while continued monitoring, outreach and compliance will allow segments of our economy to reopen. The vigilance of our County Health Officers, the leadership of our County Supervisors and the tenacity and bravery of our front line county public health and safety workers can never be honored enough. The same goes for the social services workers protecting the at-risk elderly, youth and disabled populations, while also providing shelter and services to those experiencing homelessness.

In an effort to share our appreciation, and amplify the unparalleled work of public employees, we’re asking for your stories of individuals in county service who have made a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to highlight the stories of individuals, departments or teams who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Perhaps someone on your staff sewed cloth masks in his/her spare time for coworkers or first responders. Maybe it’s an office worker who volunteers with a local food bank or distributes meals to the elderly. Possibly one of your colleagues postponed retirement in order to assist during this crisis. We know there are numerous stories of County employee excellence out there and we want to share these stories with the world. If you know of someone worthy of recognition, please contact David Liebler or Sara Floor to nominate them for a brief profile to share on social media or here on The County Voice.

The breadth of county services is vast and impressive. At its core, county service is about people helping people within their communities and at no time is the essence of county service more obvious or critical than during times of crisis. Your efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We are privileged to serve as your state association.