City of Hays Honors 27 Employees for Years of Service

HAYS, Kan. — The City of Hays recognized 27 employees last week with service awards celebrating their dedication and commitment to the community, with honorees representing tenure from five to 30 years across multiple city departments. Leading the recognition were Dustin Degenhardt, senior maintenance worker at Hays Regional Airport, and Fire Captain Aaron Dome, both celebrating 30 years of service to the city.

The awards ceremony highlighted the city's commitment to retaining experienced staff, with Human Resources Director Erin Giebler emphasizing the importance of long-term employees in maintaining quality municipal services. Two employees were recognized for 25 years of service: Troy Basgall, senior maintenance worker for the Public Works Department (Solid Waste), and John Braun, R9 project manager for the Water Resources Department. The complete list of honorees spans all city departments, including police, fire, parks, public works, water resources, and administration.

The City recognized five individuals for reaching the 20-year milestone:

• Mark Augustine, Parks Technician, Parks Department.
• JB Burkholder, Police Detective, Police Department.
• Toby Dougherty, City Manager, City Manager's Office.
• Greg May, Senior Firefighter, Fire Department.
• Stan Moore, Community Service Officer, Police Department.

Recipients of the 15-year service award include:

• Erin Giebler, Director of Human Resources, Human Resources Department.
• Travis Hageman, Senior Firefighter, Fire Department.
• Johnny Rupp, Superintendent, Water Resources Department (Maintenance).

The 10-year service award recipients are:

• Joe Billinger, Superintendent, Public Works Department (Solid Waste).
• Mike Bliss, Senior Maintenance Worker, Public Works Department (Service).
• Dan Bucher, Parks Technician, Parks Department.
• Jake Erickson, Maintenance Worker II, Parks Department (Golf).
• Phillip Gage, Police Sergeant, Police Department.
• Grady Keith, Senior Firefighter, Fire Department.
• Dakota Reese, Police Sergeant, Police Department.
• Chris Smith, R9 Property Manager, Water Resources Department (R9).
• Lisa Beilman, Administrative Assistant, Fire Department.

Employees recognized for five years of service include:

• Collin Bielser, Deputy City Manager, City Manager's Office.
• Lindsey Clayton, Police Corporal, Police Department.
• Sebastian Footh, Senior Maintenance Worker, Public Works Department (Service).
• Mason Jones, Senior Maintenance Worker, Public Works Department (Solid Waste).
• Rycor Reese, Parks Technician, Parks Department.
• Trevor Sherman, Senior Firefighter, Fire Department.
• Blaine Werner, Senior Plant Operator, Water Resources Department (Water)