‘The core and soul of Richmond’: Over 560 city employees recognized for service milestones

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Hundreds of longstanding city employees were honored for their many years of service to Richmond during a ceremony on Wednesday. Among them were two employees who have dedicated an incredible 50 years to the River City.

The evening of Wednesday, Sept. 17, the city held its 2nd-annual Service Award Ceremony at Main Street Station. The purpose of this ceremony is to honor employees who have reached service milestones of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 50 years with the city.

Between July 1, 2024 and June 30, a total of 564 employees reached such milestones.

Two of those employees -- Department of Public Utilities utility plant specialist Wesley E. Fox and Department of Parks and Recreation reception program specialist Sureatha H. McGhee -- received special recognition for hitting their 50-year milestone.

Wesley E. Fox, utility plant specialist with the Department of Public Utilities, standing with Richmond city officials as they recognize his 50-year service milestone. (Photo: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

Sureatha H. McGhee, recreation program specialist with the Department of Parks and Recreation, standing with Richmond city officials as they recognize her 50-year service milestone. (Photo: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

"This celebration reflects the city's continued commitment to creating a supportive and high-performing public-sector organization — one where employee excellence is recognized and deeply valued," the city said in a press release.

City officials, including Mayor Danny Avula, Richmond City Council president Cynthia Newbille and Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald, II celebrated the dedication of these employees during Wednesday's ceremony.

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"Every day, your dedication turns City Hall into more than a building — it becomes the heart of a thriving Richmond,” Avula said. “When you show up with pride and purpose, you’re not just serving residents, you’re building a city where people, families and communities can truly thrive.” 

Some of the Richmond city employees recognized at the 2nd-annual Service Award Ceremony. (Photos: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

The 2nd-annual Service Award Ceremony for Richmond city employees. (Photos: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

The 2nd-annual Service Award Ceremony for Richmond city employees. (Photos: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

Mayor Danny Avula speaking at the 2nd-annual Service Award Ceremony for Richmond city employees. (Photos: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

The 2nd-annual Service Award Ceremony for Richmond city employees. (Photos: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

The 2nd-annual Service Award Ceremony for Richmond city employees. (Photos: Dewayne Morris/City of Richmond)

Donald emphasized that "the core and soul of Richmond is its staff."

“Service is the quiet force that holds organizations, communities and even nations together," Newbille said. "It may not always make headlines, but it shapes lives every single day.” 

The City of Richmond has a total of 4,562 employees on its staff.