March 27, 2006

Long-time employee departs

       Kim Clawson, one of the department’s first full-time employees, has left the agency to pursue other interests.  “She will definitely be missed”, said Battalion Chief Jim Engmark.  This sentiment was echoed throughout the department and at all levels, especially on Monday as the daily office operations began without Kim at the helm.  Kim was unequivocally instrumental throughout the years in many facets of the department’s day-to-day operations and the growth it has endured during her tenure.

         Kim began with the department back in 1992 as a part-time administrative assistant who was hired to help with filing, answering the phone, and other similar tasks.  But several years later, as a response to a rapidly growing department, was hired full-time and absorbed many more responsibilities.  Some of those responsibilities included federal grant writing, critical incident stress debriefing, and cartography, to name a few.  Along the way, Kim obtained several certifications in various disciplines and became proficient in several software packages such as Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and AutoCAD.  All of this was accomplished while both working to obtain her Associate’s Degree and volunteering for the not-for-profit group, Brooke’s Place in Indianapolis.

         The department said good-bye after an emotional day on Friday, March 24^th.  Kim decided to spend her last “lunch hour” with a group of about twenty colleagues at a long-time favorite lunch spot, Pizza King.  “This is one of the things I’m going to miss the most”, Kim mention when referring to the camaraderie among the department’s diverse group of employees.  “I’ve grown up with you guys”, she added.  After lunch, Kim returned to her office to finish packing up the last few items before leaving.  A small group was on hand to see her off and wish her well.

         The department undoubtedly has a giant void to fill.  However, Kim has agreed to remain part-time for a period of time in order to continue some of the major projects she was working on, as well as help train her replacement.  The department wishes her all the best and success in her new endeavor.
 
   

           
(Click on a thumbnail to enlarge photo)
 
    

---