City of Lamar honors 22 city employees with years of service awards at luncheon

Ted Vasquez, Superintendent of the Street Department is recognized for 44 years of service to the City as well as for receiving the City of Lamar Employee of the Year for 2025 by Mayor Kirk Crespin and City Administrator Mitch Hammes

The City of Lamar honored 22 employees with Years of Service awards at a luncheon ceremony on December 8, 2025 at the Cultural Events Center.  Mayor Kirk Crespin spoke to the attendees before the presentation of the awards, thanking them for all the years they’ve given to the city, “whether it’s five years, or forty, or fifty. Every day counts and every day makes a huge difference for our community”.

City Administrator Mitch Hammes added that in addition to the certificates, the employees being honored were also going to be the recipients of some time off.  “Years of service is not just about recognizing that you’ve stuck it out. It’s the recognition of great attitudes, great performance, and dedication to our community. It’s really about you and all you’ve given to our community, so thank you”.

 

Employees with five years of service:

• Bert Abitia, Lamar Light and Power
• Michael Bannister, Sanitation
• Charlotte Comstock, Parks and Recreation
• Elise Crockett, Lamar Fire Department
• Shiane Dashner, Lamar Light and Power
• Tandy Hasser, Lamar Public Library
• Catherine Park, Lamar Fire Department
• Jessica Sherrill, Lamar Fire Department

Receiving awards for five years of service are Michael Bannister and Elise Crockett.  Not present for photo were Bert Abitia, Charlotte Comstock, Shiane Dashner, Tandy Hasser, Catherine Park, and Jessica Sherrill.

 

Employees with ten years of service:

• Brenda Appel, 911
• Ryan Cook, Lamar Fire Department
• Tresa Holbert, Lamar Water Department
• Clara Sherrill, Lamar Fire Department
• Leslie Stagner, Welcome Center
• Braxton Warn, Lamar Light and Power

Tresa Holbert receiving her award for ten years of service.  Not present for the photo were Brenda Appel, Ryan Cook, Clara Sherrill, Leslie Stagner, and Braxton Warn.

 

Employees with fifteen years of service:

• Jerry King, Street Department
• Marvin Leatherman, Lamar Light and Power
• Elizabeth Mason, City Clerk’s office
• Tamara Sinka, Lamar Library

Presented with fifteen year service awards are Marvin Leatherman, Tamara Sinka, Elizabeth Mason and Jerry King.  

 

Employees with twenty years of service:

• Branden Kemp, Lamar Police Department
• Sheri Eirhart, Lamar Public Library
• Linda Williams, City Clerk’s office

Receiving their awards for twenty years are Sheri Eirhart and Linda Williams.  Not present for photo was Branden Kemp.

 

Employees with twenty-five years of service:

• Heather Burkhart, 911
• Thomas Sanchez, Information Technology

Twenty-five year service award recipients Thomas Sanchez and Heather Burkhart

 

Honored for 40 years of service was Pat Mason, Public Works Department

Forty-year service award recipient Pat Mason

By: Barbara Crimond