Grundy County honors dozens of employees for service milestones

The Grundy County Board opened its Jan. 13 meeting with an employee recognition ceremony honoring staff who reached service milestones in 2025, including multiple five- and 10-year anniversaries and longer tenures.

The awards, introduced by County Administrator Drew Muffler and administered by department leaders, singled out employees across administration, land use, emergency management, transit, the sheriff’s office, the coroner’s office and other departments. "We have a great staff working in the county, and we thank you for your dedication and outstanding work over the years to make Grundy County a great place to live and thrive," Melissa Lewis said as she read the list of honorees.

Mary Couture, speaking for administration, highlighted Scott Nelson’s role in IT and praised his helpfulness. Joe Schroeder of Emergency Management described James Sheldon’s background in the fire service and his role leading radiological emergency preparedness for the county, noting Grundy County’s exposure to three radiological emergency planning zones. Sheriff Ken Briley and other department heads recognized long-serving law-enforcement staff, including deputies and supervisors who have worked in the county for decades.

Chair Drew Muffler praised John Callahan’s 30 years of service as coroner and highlighted Anne Gill’s two decades on the county board, saying their institutional knowledge benefits local governance. Coroner John Callahan later presented the annual coroner’s report and said the number of suicides in the report was the item that “jumps out at you,” noting continued attention to opioid-related coordination.

The recognition event covered more than two dozen employees. The board recessed the formality of business briefly to allow applause and remarks from family members and department heads. The meeting then moved on to regular agenda items.