Portage County Board members recognized Gary Garski, manager of the Division of Public Health and the county’s public health officer, for 35 years of public health service and for receiving the 2025 Health Officer of the Year award from the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards (WALHDAB).

Chair Reeser and other speakers praised Garski’s statewide contributions and mentorship to new health officers. In remarks read to the board, colleagues described Garski’s “presence, technical expertise, and value‑driven leadership,” and credited him with mentoring new health officers and supporting environmental health and budgeting practices across Wisconsin.

A colleague who spoke at the meeting described Garski as “a brilliant strategist and planner” who works “literally anything that needs to be done, including moving boxes and cleaning equipment without complaint.” The speaker recounted that during the COVID‑19 pandemic Garski helped organize a vigil for county residents who died, placing lights on the front lawn of a county facility to honor victims.

Garski thanked the board and said, “I’m just doing my job, and I’m doing what the citizens of Portage County expect of me. I do love public health, and I love my staff, and I love working for Portage County.” No formal board action was recorded for this recognition; the item was a presentation and thank‑you.