NORWICH – Randy Gibbon, director of the Chenango County Department of Public Works, is retiring after 36 years of service.
The Norwich native began his career with the county in 1975 as tax map technician, and after some years away from county service, returned in 1985 when appointed senior engineer for the DPW’s highway department. Gibbon became highway superintendent in 1997, and was later appointed to director of the public works department.
Under his guidance, the DPW maintained more than 300 miles of county roads and many bridges, as well as operated the countywide landfill in Pharsalia and its transfer stations in North Norwich and Brisben.
On Tuesday, the Chenango County Board of Supervisors recognized Gibbon’s many years of dedication. A board resolution honored his professionalism and dedication during historic weather events that threatened infrastructure, including the Blizzard of 1993, the Flood of 2006, Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 and countless other tornadoes, snow, ice and flash flooding maladies.
“In each of those events, Randy and the department reacted swiftly and with great expertise and, undertook any task at hand with zeal, vim and vigor,” read Chenango County Clerk of the Board RC Woodford.
Several of Gibbon’s colleagues extended their appreciation to him, including Chairman of the Board Richard B. Decker and members of the Chenango County Public Works Committee.
Even though Gibbon said that cleaning up after Mother Nature “hasn’t always been a pleasure,” he said he has “stayed conservative” in regards to spending, and always tried “not to cause taxpayers to have to pay more taxes.”