05/19/2026
We gathered last week to celebrate the heartbeat of our organization, the people who turn "public service" from a title into a daily practice of excellence. This past year has presented its share of challenges, but the five individuals we honor for the 2025-2026 Public Service Recognition Awards, haven't just met those challenges; they’ve set a new standard for what it means to serve. We are proud to present these awards and a day off certificate to each recipient.
First, we recognize three individuals who understand that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust. These recipients have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our community feels heard, respected, and supported.
Wendy Herman of the County Clerk’s office: For your tireless patience and ability to de-escalate even the most complex situations with grace. A county resident submitted a recognition for her help in getting recertified for the senior tax relief program in addition to submissions from fellow employees praising her.
Squall Charlson of the Tourism office: We received a submission from a resident praising his effort going above and beyond with the Senior Tax Relief program and also several from fellow employees, even thanking him for helping them with a dead car battery after work.
Lucia Franco of the Assessor office Annex location: A county resident submission thanked her for her patience and helpfulness with a tax waiver issue even though it was closing time. For your proactive approach, warmth and professionalism you bring to every counter visit, thank you.
To our Customer Service champions: Thank you for being the friendly face of our mission.
Next, we present the Bravo Award. This honor is reserved for an employee who has demonstrated exceptional initiative and a "can-do" spirit that inspires their entire department.
Christopher Beasley of the Juvenile Boys Group Home: Whether it was stepping in during a critical staffing shortage or making sure the boys are able to participate/attend events, he didn't wait for instructions—he led by example. His energy is infectious, and his impact is undeniable. Bravo!
Innovation in public service isn't just about the "newest" tech—it’s about finding better ways to help people. This award recognizes someone who looked at a "way we’ve always done it" and saw a path toward something better.
Noah Pearl from the Sheriff’s office: For your commitment to Thoughtful Innovation. He didn't just suggest change for the sake of change; he implemented a solution that is as empathetic as it is efficient. He was instrumental in developing a training plan for our employees to be able to safely deal with drugs and drug paraphernalia that might be encountered in our parks, road & bridge and facilities departments. He represents the Sheriff’s Office mission with excellence.
Finally, we come to our AAA Award. This is our "Triple-A" standard: Achievement in results, Accountability in ownership, and decisive Action.
Sarah Rose of GIS: This year, she took on the ambitious project of creating a GIS Day for the entire county. The event provided education and insight into the vast uses of GIS data. Sara is continuing to work on creating a more efficient SB190 application for 2027. Working closely with Recorder of Deeds office to develop a secure share point file system to receive, process and track requests for participation in the Judicial Privacy Act program. Once the process was developed, Sarah worked with the Recorder, Clerk, Collector and Assessor to train them in the process, provide them secure access to the file share and offer additional support. She didn't just meet the goals; she exceeded them. Sarah provides critical thinking, programing knowledge and genuine willingness to help without hesitation. She defines what it means to be a reliable and high-performing public servant.
To our six honorees, your dedication is the reason our community thrives. You remind us that public service isn't just about the work we do, but the way we do it.
