March 27, 2025
Municipality of Cumberland honours employees with long service awards
The Municipality of Cumberland honoured 11 employees for their years of service to the residents of Cumberland County during an all-staff event at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
| The Municipality of Cumberland recognized 11 employees for their years of service during an all-staff event at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill on Thursday, March 27, 2025. CAO Greg Herrett (back left) and Mayor Rod Gilroy (back right) are shown with awards recipients (front, from left) Steve Ripley (15 years), Steve Varner (35 years), Chris Clarke (25 years), John Burbine (30 years), Fred Arsenault (25 years), (back, from second left) Allie McCormick (10 years), Jaime Spicer (10 years), Mandy Hunter (15 years), Fred Chapman (20 years), Mike Gerrior (15 years). Missing is Chris Chapman (15 years). |
“As I look around this room, we all have one thing in common, we work for 23,000 bosses who watch us every day and keep an eye on everything we do and how we do it,” Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy told staff. “I want to convey my appreciation and that of council for what you do day in and day out and how you do it, how much you care about it, and how much it means to us and you. How you act and what you are is obvious to us all.”
Chief Administrative Officer Greg Herrett congratulated the staff for its role in making the municipality a great place to work. He said groups such as the wellness and social committees add so much to the fabric of the workforce.
“I want to thank each of you for your daily efforts,” the CAO said. “Over the last few years progressively fewer issues are showing up on my desk because you are dealing with them. The departments are very good at what they do. I know council appreciates that.”
Herrett said he is proud of the work of the county’s employees and that they should be proud as well.
“The municipality is a great place to work, and we’re doing that together,” the CAO said, adding that the benefits of working for the municipality include a new pension plan, a wellness plan, an employee computer purchase program, the optional four-day work week, and other initiatives.
Those recognized in 2025 include:
25 Years – Chris Clarke, Public Works supervisor (Parrsboro)
15 Years – Mike Gerrior, Water Distribution operator and driver (Springhill) and Steve Ripley, driver (Springhill)
10 Years – Allie McCormick, Director of Recreation and Community Services.
Those recognized in 2024 include:
35 Years – Steve Varner, facility maintenance and building official
30 Years – John Burbine, Public Works Superintendent (Upper Nappan)
25 Years – Fred Arsenault, Public Works Superintendent (Springhill)
20 Years – Fred Chapman, community centre lead hand (Springhill)
15 Years – Chris Chapman, wastewater treatment plant operator (Springhill) and Mandy Hunter, community centre maintenance (Springhill)
10 Years – Jaime Spicer, Bylaw and Canine Control officer
