Olympia City Council honors public servants with a proclamation 

The Olympia City Council celebrated public service on Tuesday, May 6, by endorsing a proclamation recognizing municipal workers for their services to the community.  

Since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated during the first week of May. However, in Olympia, the city extends its appreciation throughout the entire month by honoring specific groups of public servants during designated weeks.  

City Manager Jay Burney noted the month of May includes multiple weeks dedicated to different public sector professions.

"One week is never enough to recognize the amazing work of our dedicated staff. … Their work for the city is vital to moving our community forward," he said.

From May 4-10, the city recognized the Professional Municipal Clerks for their work in promoting government transparency by ensuring public records are open and accessible to the public.  

During the week of May 11-17, Olympia will celebrate Economic Development Week and recognize professional economic development professionals for their efforts to build economically vibrant, livable communities and establish equitable paths to prosperity for all community members.

The city will also observe National Police Week during the same period, honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and recognizing their service and sacrifice in protecting communities and preserving democratic values.  

Olympia will celebrate Emergency Medical Services Week from May 18-24, as the city recognizes and thanks paramedics who provide life-saving care in the community across the nation.  

During the 65th annual National Public Works Week, also from May 18-24, Olympia will recognize public works employees for their essential role in providing clean water, safe streets, reliable infrastructure, and maintaining the health, safety and quality of life for residents.  

Mayor Dontae Payne highlighted the unique aspect of public service. 

"There's a certain type of calling to this kind of work that many of us feel, and it is work that can be thankless, and yet we still choose to do it. We are not just community members or residents, we are also public servants who are serving our neighbors," he said.