Whether scrambling to help muzzle deadly wildfires out West, or repair and rebuild after hurricanes and tropical storms close to home, some Department of Conservation and Natural Resources workers excelled.

Massive telecommunication overhauls. Creation of interactive web maps with an unending list of users. Ongoing efforts to keep public interest high and costs low. They’re all in a day’s work for other DCNR employees, also driven to excel.

And again, that extra effort did not go unnoticed by some.

Quality was the watchword May 7 as Secretary Richard Allan led DCNR officials in honoring employees for outstanding performance, innovative initiatives and cost-saving efforts during 2012.

A total of 19 awards, recognizing 121 DCNR employees, were presented at the department’s eighth annual DCNR Recognition Program at the Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg.

“I congratulate you all on your work and your contributions that go far beyond the normal scope of work and expectations,” Allan told the honorees. “You are truly outstanding employees and role models. You personify the future of DCNR and all that we can accomplish together.”

Award-winners were selected from a DCNR work force that numbers 1,300 full-time employees and more than 1,000 seasonal workers.

“This year when we asked for nominations we asked that nominators consider making nominations for significant innovative ideas that have been developed or implemented across functional areas,” Allan noted. “These innovative ideas would typically result in reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving service. The nominations we received this year did not disappoint.”

Award recipients were personally congratulated by Allan and deputy secretaries John Giordano, Ellen Ferretti and Cindy Dunn.

Also addressing the gathering before presenting awards, Deputy Secretary Giordano took the audience back to early May 2011 when he was just beginning with DCNR:

“Looking back over the past couple of years, I was speaking to a lot of new faces, and now I look out and see a collection of good friends comprising one of the most dedicated, innovative, mission-driven work forces that I have had the honor of serving alongside,” Giordano said. “Dedication to our mission really is what makes DCNR so special. What makes it so unique. And what makes it a place where our employees are excited to give their all—day in and day out.”

The deputy secretary hailed “a commitment that goes above and beyond at DCNR, and you are the embodiment of it.”

“The administration is proud of you. The agency—we, your teammates, are proud of you—and today I want to say all of you here should be proud of yourselves … for the great work you do on behalf of the Commonwealth,” Giordano said. “Thank you once again for your mission-driven focus, and for all you do on behalf of DCNR. It is truly an honor to serve alongside you.”

Honored employees again received commendations and eagle plaques, specially produced at DCNR’s Penn Nursery in Spring Mills, Centre County, in recognition of what the secretary said was “uncompromising and unfaltering dedication” to DCNR’s mission, and the resources and people the department serves and protects.

Employees saluted were nominated by their superiors and selected by a screening committee of coworkers. Honorees represented DCNR’s bureaus of state parks, forestry, facility design and construction, administrative services, and recreation and conservation.

Click Here for a list of all DCNR award winners.

(Reprinted from the May 29 issue of DCNR’s Resource newsletter.)

6/3/2013