Shawnee County commissioners honor employees and retirees at Feb. 2 work session

Shawnee County commissioners on Feb. 2 recognized county employees marking five-year increments of service and several recent retirees during a work session devoted to milestone awards and tributes.

The program, organized by the county Human Resources office, recognized employees who reached 5, 10, 15 and 20-plus years of service and included biographical remarks from department directors and elected officials. "Every quarter we recognize those employees that have given service to Shawnee County in 5 year increments," Mike Augustine, deputy director of Human Resources, said as he outlined the ceremony and called names for certificates and group photographs.

Department leaders praised longtime staffers for institutional knowledge and commitment. Bill Sutton of the Solid Waste Department recognized Debbie George for about 30 years with the county, calling her "one of our customer service reps" and noting she trained new hires. Sheriff Brian Hill honored a string of Sheriff's Office staff, including Lieutenant James Lothree for 20 years and Captain Tom Brohnall for more than 30 years, and noted Lieutenant Reynolds retired in 2025 after 29 years and work in narcotics investigations.

Brian Cole, director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, highlighted multiple employees' roles and longevity. He commended Ron Moore, who served 20 years and remained on active duty when called, saying Moore is "extremely dedicated," and praised a sergeant named Shannon for two decades of training work. Cole also described James's oversight of accreditation and operations and said of Bobby, who logged extensive overtime, that "he gives up his personal time and sometimes his family time to make sure we get the operation done." Cole singled out deputy director Tim for leading the county's behavioral health unit project, saying Tim handled design work and project meetings and that the unit is "not open yet."

Commissioner Rippon invited Teresa Fisher, director of the public health department, forward and recounted her career with the Shawnee County Health Agency beginning Dec. 27, 2005; Fisher was recognized for 20 years of service. The program also included other departmental recognitions spanning public works, parks and recreation, motor vehicles, solid waste, and the health department.

Human Resources closed the ceremony by explaining the origins of the county's recognition program and by thanking employees for their service; refreshments were offered to attendees. The meeting then moved to a public comment period, during which no speakers were signed up. Commissioner Cook and another commissioner offered administrative remarks thanking staff before the meeting was adjourned.

The session was strictly ceremonial and informational; no motions, votes or formal county actions were taken during the presentations.