Beacon honors 9 longtime employees

By Maeleeke J. Lavan
Poughkeepsie Journal

BEACON -- It's not common for someone to spend more than 25 years in the same community -- let alone in the same job.

But nine City of Beacon employees, who have stayed at their jobs for at least that long, were honored during a recent city council meeting.

''It's been a long time and a lot of dedication,'' Mayor Clara Lou Gould said. ''It's a pleasure to acknowledge their service.''

City of Beacon firefighter Jeffrey Simko was recognized for 25 years of service in the fire department.

''I enjoy the work,'' he said. ''I enjoy working with the people. There's a big brotherhood in the fire department.''

City fire Lt. Tim Dexter said Simko is irreplaceable.

''If we had 25 Jeffs, the world would be a better place,'' Dexter said. ''Ask anyone in city government, he's been one of the best employees. Everything he's done has been above and beyond.''

Fond memories

Some of his fondest memories come from giving fire prevention talks at local schools, he said.

''They call me ''Fireman Jeff,'' he said. ''I'll bet some kids I first gave talks to have their own kids now.''

Bill O'Keeffe, of the city's sewer treatment plant, worked his way up the employment ladder from plant maintenance helper to chief operator.

He was promoted to chief operator in 1987 and has worked at the plant for 30 years.

''I started here when I was 18,'' he said. ''In today's day and age you don't see people staying at the same place for too long.''

The honorees received a warm round of applause both before and after they received their certificates.

''It's always a pleasure to award them, and it's an even greater pleasure to see them here with their families,'' Gould said.

AT A GLANCE
AWARD RECIPIENTS
James Bentivegna, 30 years.

Paul Eraca, 25 years.

Donald Joyce, 30 years

James Lockwood, 25 years.

Bill O'Keeffe, 30 years.

Robert Riley, 30 years.

Jeffrey Simko, 25 years

Michael Way, 25 years.

Stanley Zmudzinski, 30 years.