Dallas County honors employees of the year and recognizes long-serving public servants

Dallas County Commissioners used their December session to celebrate county employees and recognize long-serving public servants.

The court began with a ceremony that named finalists and winners across categories. Winners announced included Shontay Colonel in the law enforcement category, Alejandro (Alex) Rodriguez of the tax office for constituent services, Donald McKinney from facilities management in county operations, and Adrianna Lawson in Court and Justice Administration. Commissioners moved and adopted formal resolutions saluting each honoree; the motions carried by voice vote.

Supervisors and colleagues spoke for the honorees. Lashonda Jefferson, assistant director of the Dallas County Criminal Justice Department, praised Adrianna Lawson’s leadership and contributions to jail population management and called Lawson “an invaluable asset to Dallas County.” Colleagues described McKinney’s hands-on contributions — building bunks to meet jail demand and leading facilities solutions when supply-chain issues arose — while tax-office staff commended Rodriguez’s training work for new employees.

The court also adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Charles Banta for decades of medical practice in Dallas and his teaching and research contributions; Dr. Banta thanked the court and said he is planning different ways to continue serving the community.

Later the court read and adopted a resolution honoring Chief Frederick Robinson on his retirement after 32 years with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. Speakers described Robinson’s career progression from detention officer to chief deputy and praised his leadership; Robinson thanked colleagues and family in brief remarks.

All recognition items passed unanimously. The court recessed these ceremonial matters to proceed with its business agenda.