Denton County honors North Texas Food Bank for 42 years of service

As the sun rose over Denton County on the first day of 2025, the Denton County Commissioners Court convened, setting the stage for a meeting filled with gratitude and recognition. The atmosphere was charged with appreciation as the court honored two significant contributors to the community: the North Texas Food Bank and long-serving employees Rod Brown and Susan Watson.

The meeting began with a heartfelt prayer, invoking a spirit of gratitude and reflection on the blessings of the past year. This tone of thankfulness carried through as the court moved to recognize the North Texas Food Bank for its 42 years of service in Denton County. Tricia Cunningham, the Food Bank's president and CEO, expressed her gratitude for the county's support, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the growing need for food assistance and praised the county's commitment to addressing food insecurity.

Gilbert Montes, executive director of Christian Community Action, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the deep relationships formed over the years and the positive impact the Food Bank has had on the community. The court unanimously passed a resolution honoring the Food Bank, acknowledging its profound influence in alleviating hunger and providing essential resources to thousands of families in need.

The meeting also marked a bittersweet farewell to Rod Brown, who retired after 28 years of dedicated service in the Denton County Juvenile Probation Department. His colleagues and commissioners praised his leadership and commitment to positively impacting the lives of youth in the community. Brown reflected on his career with gratitude, thanking his team and the commissioners for their support.

Susan Watson, another pillar of the county's public service, was also honored as she prepared for retirement after 20 years with the Denton County District Clerk's office. Her colleagues celebrated her unwavering dedication and the positive environment she fostered in the workplace. Watson expressed her pride in serving the county and her hopes for a fulfilling retirement.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the 2024 Texas Fire Marshals Association Excellence Award to the Denton County Fire Marshal's Office, recognizing their outstanding performance in fire prevention. This accolade underscored the county's commitment to safety and community service.

As the commissioners wrapped up the meeting, the spirit of collaboration and community service resonated throughout the room, leaving a lasting impression of hope and commitment for the year ahead.