Dedication and long-standing service of a host of municipal employees and volunteers has been commemorated by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
At a special ceremony held Nov. 9 at Retro Suites in Chatham, a total of 262 employees and volunteer firefighters were recognized.
Among the group was volunteer firefighter Ray Trahan Sr., who has served the community for 60 years. Volunteer station chief William Yeck was given the nod for 50 years of service, while volunteer deputy station chief Henry VanderGriendt was recognized for 45 years of service. Volunteer station chief Richard Shaw was commemorated for 40 years of service, and retired volunteer fire captain Bev Taylor was honoured for 45 years of service.
Retired housekeeping aide Frederick Burton and retired case manager Sue Watson both marked 46 years of service with the municipality.
There are 60 employees who have served Chatham-Kent for more than 25 years, while 153 are in the 10-to-25-year category. Some 49 retirees were also honoured.
The combined years of service for those honoured added up to 5,338 years, which averages out to 20.4 years per person.
