GOER and Civil Service Announce State to Celebrate New York State Employee Recognition Day

ALBANY, NY (05/06/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State Civil Service Commissioner Nancy G. Groenwegen and Governor’s Office of Employee Relations Director Gary Johnson today announced the state will celebrate New York State Employee Recognition Day on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, to honor public employees working in federal, state, county, and local governments statewide.

States across the country will celebrate Public Service Recognition Week May 5 – 9. In a proclamation earmarking the special week and May 7 as New York State Employee Recognition Day, Governor David A. Paterson notes, “Public Service Recognition Week is observed nationwide to honor the men and women who serve America as federal, state, and local government employees, and it is appropriate to designate a day to honor all employees of New York State, paying tribute to them collectively as one of this country’s finest public workforces.”

Civil Service and GOER observed that these employees build our bridges, protect our environment, teach our children, and heal our sick. Firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, military personnel, health care professionals, and countless others – risk their lives to ensure we are safe and cared for in our communities. Safety inspectors, social workers, scientists, computer technicians, lawyers, laborers, and other professionals provide a myriad of services to the public, who in turn expect professionalism, efficiency, and integrity from their government.

Commissioner Groenwegen said, “We want to reinforce pride, dignity, and respect among public employees. And we want to make sure the public recognizes that these are the workers who provide the government services that touch and improve the quality of their lives every day.”

Director Johnson said, “We call this observance to the attention of all New Yorkers and encourage them to commend the hard work, dedication, and contributions of these often unsung heroes.”

A copy of the proclamation is attached.

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