Riley County looks to fill positions in treasurer's office, fire department

Riley County officials are looking to fill a few positions.

The county commission on Monday approved requests to hire a customer service provider in the treasurer’s office and a deputy chief position in the fire department.

County treasurer Shilo Heger said the previous customer service worker in the department resigned.

“We really need to have that front counter staffed fully in order to cover for illnesses, vacation days,” Heger said. “We do have one person’s driver’s license every day so I feel it’s a much-needed position in order to provide the customer service that is expected of our office.”

County emergency management director Russel Stukey said the fire department needs to hire a new deputy chief of administration.

“This is another tough one to keep filled through the years,” commissioner John Ford said. “I know we restructured and split up duties and functions, but for some reason, we went through deputies pretty quick.”

In other business, Ford presented a retirement plaque to Thereasa Stewart, who served in the Riley County Health Department for seven years as the advanced practice registered nurse.

“You’ve been very valuable, a constant professional, and you will be very missed,” Ford said. “These are moments for me that are always bittersweet because I hate losing employees, particularly ones that are as important as you’ve been. Certainly, I want to wish you the best of luck in whatever your future endeavors are.”

Stewart said she enjoyed her time working for the county, and now she looks forward to traveling in retirement.

“It is a very bittersweet week, counting down the hours, but I have lots of trips planned with my husband, so we’re anxious to start a new chapter,” Stewart said. “You will all be dearly missed, and I loved my time working at Riley County. I definitely learned a lot here. It’s a great place to work. It’s a great organization with great leadership.”