Trenton, NJ –Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris presented awards to two department employees from Morris County for individual and/or team awards this year at the State’s Public Service Recognition Program.  There were 29 honorees in all from DHS.

The State Longevity Award for 48 years of service went to Betty Hume of Morristown, a Supervisor of Food Service Area Operations at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany.  As the longest-serving employee in the state this year, Hume received her Longevity Award from the Governor’s Office. 

David Johnson of Kenvil received the Co-Worker Recognition Award.  Johnson began with the department in 1986 as a Trainee and became the Resource Development Specialist with the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) for the Morris District Office in 1997.

Over 1,500 state workers gathered at the Trenton War Memorial for the Annual NJ State Public Service Recognition Awards Ceremony, which included a pre-ceremony breakfast, compliments of the NJ Department of Personnel, which organizes the annual event.

Representatives from 26 state departments and agencies meet monthly throughout the year to identify programs, awards and events to recognize and honor public employees.  The program culminates in an annual statewide celebration to honor public service award recipients, held during National Public Service Recognition Week in May.  Program award categories include Longevity, Co-Worker Recognition; Team Work Partnership, and Customer Service Excellence.  The State award categories include Heroism, Exceptional Service, Community Service, and Professional Achievement.  This program also includes a national award coordinated by the National Public Service Roundtable in Washington DC.