A District of Elkford employee has received a long service award for his 35 years service.
Duncan McDonald started his career at the District as a labourer on the garbage trucks on October 3,1978 and worked his way up over the years. Finally in 2009 he was promoted to Superintendent, Public Works. Mayor Dean McKerracher presented him with a gold pin at a council meeting on July 22.
He will receive his award, from the local Government Management Association at this year’s Christmas party.
McDonald said Elkford has changed a lot in the time he has worked there.
“It’s been good,” he said. “A lot has changed with new equipment and such, and of course Elkford is twice as big as it was.”
“Duncan and I have known each other for years,” said McKerracher. “He’d been a lead hand for many years and then in 2009 we lost our superintendent and I didn’t see any reason to look outside to replace him. I knew Duncan would do a great job and he has been very efficient. I feel promoting him was one of the District's smartest moves it has made in 42 years.
“He is and always has been a dedicated and caring employee to Elkford and its citizens and his knowledge of town infrastructure is irreplaceable.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be a friend and colleague.”
McDonald’s wife contracts out a janitorial service to SMS Equipment, and McKerracher hopes she will convince her husband to keep working a few more years.
“I hope Duncan stays a couple more years,” he said. He told me he’d stay in the job as long as I’m Mayor so I guess it depends on if I do another term or not! We have a really great working relationship.”
McKerracher need not worry though. McDonald said he still has a few more years to work.
“I’m too young to retire!” he said.