Former Employee of the Year Retires, Says Goodbye at City Council Meeting

Rick Morgan began a working for the City of Hazelwood 30 years ago on December 9, 1982. Wednesday, he served his last day as an employee.

"It's been a pleasure to have Rick working for the city for all these years," Hazelwood Mayor Matthew Robinson, said at Wednesday's city council meeting. "When I say all these years, I remember when Rick had long hair!" 

Robinson joked with Morgan but thanked him for all of his service to the city.

"The Easter Egg Hunt, year-after-year, I see him out there making sure it's done right," he said. "The entire public works department plays a very important role."

A 1988 Ranken Technical College graduate in industrial electricity and technology, Morgan began working in building maintenance in Hazelwood. He graduated from a Ranken HVAC program in 1994.

At Wednesday night's meeting, Morgan's retirement proclamation brought the room to a standing ovation, for the person many describe as sincere and humble.

In 2003, Morgan was named Employee of the Year. Hazelwood City Attorney Kevin O'Keefe read Morgan's retirement proclamation and said he also won the Above and Beyond award in 2004 along with multiple employee of the month awards.

"Rick's amiable personality and professionalism earned him (these awards)." O'Keefe read. "Rick has displayed the highest example of character, ethics, morals and unselfish service in assuring a safe work environment.

Morgan said his days will now be filled by family: two daughters, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. That, and traveling the U.S. on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

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