AJ Tackett Recognized as City's Employee of the Year

The City of Effingham has honored Firefighter AJ Tackett of the Effingham Fire Department as the City's Employee of the Year as a part of the City’s Employee Recognition Program. There were three other employees nominated for the award: Officer David Meyers, Catelyn Vail, and Jordan Budde.

The Employee of the Year Award recognizes an employee who earned Employee of the Quarter for demonstrating either distinguished or extraordinary service during the fiscal quarter or other accomplishments that typically go unnoticed but are worthy of recognition.

Firefighter Tackett was nominated for going above and beyond his job duties in the Fire Department. Firefighter Tackett has most recently overseen the design and build of a new Fire Engine for the department. What might seem like a miniscule task has actually been a project in the making for almost two years. From choosing the style of the engine that best suites the city and residents, to planning each compartment for every single tool that will be used in emergency situations, Firefighter Tackett has spent countless hours working with the design team at the factory. He has also considered the need for this engine to serve citizens for years to come by planning additional space and compartments to allow for future growth in an ever-evolving world of fire and rescue.

City officials say that because Firefighter Tackett worked tirelessly on this project and was able to personally see it through to completion, delivery time has been shortened by a full year with savings upwards of 20%, if this same engine was ordered today. With delivery of the new engine scheduled to be here soon, city officials feel Firefighter Tackett is most deserving of this recognition for going above and beyond his normally assigned tasks.

The City appreciates your continued participation in the Employee Recognition Program. If you notice a City employee going above and beyond to serve you, please let city officials know by calling City Hall at 217-342-5300 or emailing jkemper@effinghamil.com!