Al Hartz prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but it was unavoidable Tuesday as he received the first ever Rock County Employee of the Year Award.
As a highway department mechanic, Hartz doesn’t have a 9-to-5 job. He usually works the same odd hours as other crews that plow the roads.
"We’re pretty much fair game in the winter," Hartz said. "But it was almost a blessing on Sunday not to have to watch the Vikings play."
According to Hartz, he’s not the only employee who should get recognition. "There’s a lot of dedicated people here."
Although Hartz’s job title is mechanic, he completes other duties such as budgets and spec writing. He’s been employed by the county for 18 years.
Employees of the Rock County Highway Department said in a nomination letter, "What is very admirable of Al is that he is always very attentive to the needs of not only the Highway Department, but also the needs of other county departments. Al is very conscientious of his work and always strives to do the best work possible. … His accommodating nature makes him a pleasure to work with."
Rock County Engineer Mark Sehr said, "Since my arrival in 1996, the RCHD has gained the responsibility for the routine maintenance of the Rock County Sheriff’s vehicles, Rock County Heartland Express vehicles, and Rock County Land Management vehicles. This program has been successful through the coordination and efforts of Mr. Hartz and other RCHD personnel."
Evan Verbrugge said in his nomination letter, "Every time I or someone from the Sheriff’s Department brings our squads in for something to get fixed, he gets it done right away and does not complain about it.
Yesterday I went in to make an appointment with Al for an oil change for today. This morning I went into the shop for the appointment. Al was busier than a rancher trying to herd bumblebees over the Rocky Mountains, and Al said he would take care of it and that it wouldn’t be a problem."
Highway Maintenance Supervisor Walter Stearns also nominated Hartz. He said, "Al is an inspiration to the entire Highway Department and myself. … Al does an exceptional job of coordinating and cooperating with all Rock County Departments to get the job done. He has sacrificed lunch and dinner breaks to get equipment back up and running. I feel that dedication of this caliber deserves recognition."
The Employee of the Year was voted on by Rock County Board members. Other nominees this year were Pam Nelson of Family Services and Deb Den Herder of the Extension Office.
The board spent at least two weeks reviewing the nominations to make the decision, which they admitted was not easy.