Sims honors employees for outstanding efforts during and after Nisqually earthquake

King County Executive Ron Sims' News Release

March 13, 2001

Sims honors employees for outstanding efforts during and after Nisqually earthquake

King County Executive Ron Sims today honored employee representatives from departments around the County for their outstanding efforts during and after the February 28th 6.8 magnitude earthquake. Sims said the employees represented the hundreds of others Countywide who not only ensured safety of their co-workers and the public, but also helped restore the buildings so services could continue to be provided.

"Even though we live in an earthquake prone area, and we practice and rehearse what our safety procedures should be, when the event struck last month, we were all shaken," said Executive Sims. "But so many of our employees helped others and the public and pitched in to do whatever needed to be done. Because of this, we are all very grateful."

Representatives from all departments gathered at the County's Emergency Operations Center immediately after the earthquake. The center coordinated all policy decisions and information dissemination to keep County government functional and the public informed.

"We had our construction and maintenance crews working on the buildings as soon as they were deemed safe to reenter. River experts investigated mudslides on the Cedar River, and other crews surveyed all County facilities. The King County International Airport (Boeing Field) required our immediate attention. Services like licensing and vital statistics were moved and never missed a beat in serving the public. And we kept the public and media informed through our Web site.

"Our goal throughout practices and drills has been to know what to do in an emergency. But it was gratifying to see how well everyone performed in a real earthquake," said Sims. "We have wonderful employees who do a tremendous amount for the public on a day to day basis, but who in an emergency exceeded every possible expectation any of us could have imagined."

Sims honored representatives from each department during the ceremony in the Courthouse, and extended a thank you to the more than 13,000 County employees who work in various locations throughout the County.

"King County government continued to work for the citizens of this County because of the employees we have. And to them, I say thank you – for their work every day and for their exceptional work in a time of need."

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, on February 28, 2001, the Puget Sound Region experienced its most violent earthquake in half a century, registering 6.8 on the Richter scale, shaking millions of people and damaging property throughout the region; and

WHEREAS, though every level of the government King County employees acted immediately and effectively to ensure the safety and well-being of fellow employees and citizens throughout the county; and

WHEREAS, King County employees have proven their commitment to the citizens we serve, and the level of coordination, effort and professional demeanor are clear indications of the importance of preparing for these types of events and having a reliable and dedicated pool of employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron Sims, King County Executive, do hereby proclaim March 13, 2001 to be

King County Employee
Earthquake Appreciation Day

in King County. I invite all residents of King County to join me in sincerely thanking each King County employee who worked diligently throughout the trying times over the past week.

Ron Sims
King County Executive

Updated: March 13, 2001

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