Sep 30, 2009: Missouri's Older Worker of the Year is Clay County Highway employee
KEARNEY, Missouri: Clay County Highway Department employee Richard Breidenbaugh, 81, Liberty, was named the 2009 Missouri Older Worker of the Year at a two-day ceremony last weekend in Jefferson City. Breidenbaugh was nominated by other Highway Department staff in July and was named a regional finalist last month. The Clay County Commission also honored Breidenbaugh with a resolution of recognition during its business session Sept. 28.
The awards contest honors a Missouri resident 65 years or older, who works at least 20 hours per week, demonstrates dependability and learns new skills on the job. According to the nomination narrative, Breidenbaugh has been a trusted, dependable employee for Clay County for 17 years maintaining 40 hours per week and an exemplary attendance record. Breidenbaugh started as a dump truck operator and today is in charge of picking up equipment parts at various locations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area saving freight charges and decreasing the down time for equipment repairs. He is also charged with delivering documents to numerous County offices.
Breidenbaugh was selected among other regional finalists from across the State of Missouri.
The Clay County Commission recognizes Richard Breidenbaugh, 81, Liberty, who was named the 2009 Missouri Older Worker of the Year. Breidenbaugh was nominated by his co-workers at the Clay County Highway Department. From left: Eastern Commissioner Katee Porter, Presiding Commissioner Edward Quick, Breidenbaugh, and Western Commissioner Larry Larson.
"It is my honor and privilege to know and work with Richard. I can't think of a person more deserving than him to be recognized by this award. We are so proud of him,” said County Administrator Alexa Barton.
The annual award, in its 19th year, is sponsored by the Missouri Senior Employment Coordinating Committee including: the AARP Foundation, Experience Works, Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph, MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries, Department of Economic Development/Division of Workforce Development, and the Department of Health and Senior Services/Division of Senior and Disability Services.