2024 Citizen Comments & Appreciations

December 27, 2024 - Public Works

(Nick Petersen, David Jenkins, Cameron Phelps, and LaTravion Council) 

Hello again Mr. Falin, 

We had another hard-working crew doing repair work at our home today to replace a sewer line.  I admired their patience and persistence as they resolved a difficult problem.  The crew was particularly gracious and professional in all of their interactions with me. 

I'm sure that I am like many other tax payers who sometimes get frustrated -- because most of us would rather forego escalating tax bills and fees.  I will certainly be less bothered when next I pay our tax bills. 

The men who work with/for you strike me as fine, hard working souls. 

Regards and best wishes in 2025. 

Scott Gurdin

110 Baldric Place, Yorktown

December 26, 2024 - Public Works

(Alex McKeen and Tim Greene)

Dear Mr. Falin, 

Our family had the pleasure earlier today of benefitting from the help of a county public works pair who assisted with a plumbing problem caused by pipes external to our home which are under the county's control. 

Our home is at 110 Baldric Place.  Tim arrived at our home within 15 minutes of my wife's call to the county for assistance.  He returned soon thereafter with Tim.  The two gentlemen diagnosed the problem and set forth a plan for its prompt resolution.  Mr. Falin, Tim and Alex were professional, friendly  and they projected confidence.  We are thankful for their help! I hope the remainder of your holiday season is filled with goodness and prosperity. 

Regards, 

Scott Gurdin

December 10, 2024 - Public Works

To Whom it may Concern: 

Last spring, I called this department in a panic. I had sewage all over my downstairs from a backup. The plumber told me to call you. 

I was pleasantly surprised with my entire encounter with your department. It started with my panicked phone call being answered by a very kind woman who listened and really seemed to care. 

Within an hour I had Michael Falln, Nickolas Petersen, David Jenkins, Matt Martinez, Tim Greene, Darnell Young, and Alex Mckeen out to my house. They were all very polite and hard working. They took the time to explain everything to me. They had to come back and finish work, and the great work ethic continued. They finished it off by cleaning up the entire area. 

Michael Falin gave me his card, and he explain if I had any problems to please contact him. He was beyond professional and caring. I walked away feeling great about the Department of Public Works, and I shouted my praises to all of my neighbors. 

The private sector should take a lesson from this department. You have such amazing public relations. 

Sincerely,

Deborah McCusker
204 Coinjock Run

December 9, 2024 - Public Works  (Darnell Young)

The sewer was backing up in my house and I called the county to report it.  The county responded quickly, and Darnell showed up at our house just after dusk.  He knew exactly what to do to get the water flowing in the correct direction and began taking the necessary steps.  He explained to us exactly what we needed to do, both during and after he left.  He ensured our safety while he worked quickly and efficiently.  We are VERY appreciative of his efforts.  We attempted to show that appreciation with some extra funds for his holidays, but he said he could not take gratuity and that the county provides well.  

If everyone that works with the county is a conscientious and considerate as Darnell, then the county is well staffed to handle any issue as well as provide excellent customer service.

Thanks to the county for being responsive and extra thanks for sending obviously one of your best employees, Darnell Young.

Thank you !!!

Annabelle and Chris Durand

November 1, 2024 - Emergency Communications / Fire and Life Safety

Stephen Roane -  

Please send a "Job Well Done" to York County EMS and 911 dispatcher. 

On Sunday Oct 20, my wife Linda was experiencing some medical problems, and we called 911. The dispatcher was very professional and asked all pertinent questions to get the EMT crew prepped for the visit to our house.  

When they arrived ( believe from Tabb  Station) The team chief and EMS team were very professional and courteous, again asking all pertinent questions and taking all vital signs and prepping for transport to Riverside Newport News Emergency facility. 

 She was admitted promptly, as the facility had been notified that she was on the way. 

After the afternoon (Sunday Oct 20) in Emergency Care, she was admitted to the Hospital for tests, observation and treatment for her diagnosed conditions, 

She was released on Friday Oct 25 and is at home resting and recuperating. 

Thank You York County EMS!! 

"Job Well Done"! 

A. Crane 
Lt Col USAF Retired

September 9, 2024 - Public Works / Utilities 
(Nick Petersen, David Jenkins, Darnell Young, Jacob Brnich & Tim Greene)

Dear Mr. Falin, 

The county sent a crew to find the sewer access to my property so that I could close my septic tank and connect to the sewer line.  The house has been on the septic tank system for 66 years.   

This crew did an absolutely terrific job.  I could not believe how deep these guys had to dig to find the access port.  The ground was like digging into solid dry clay that was almost as solid as a rock.  They were digging inch by inch about 4' down when I had to leave to go to the VA Hospital in Hampton.  When I returned, they had dug down to ~7 feet and were already installing the access port.  Given the depth and density of the soil, it was not easy to know where it was exactly. 

This was super hard, slow and painful challenge and yet, they were upbeat and totally focused on getting the job done.   

These (every single one of them) were super skilled, dedicated and patient professionals. They were very cautious as they carefully dug between the gas and water line.  They remained absolutely friendly and highly professional and worked super hard all day to complete the job.  They made it clear they would be there until the job was done.  

I cannot over state the case that this crew is an exceptional group of hard working and very dedicated assets for our county and community.   

We are truly blessed to live in this county and enjoy such great infrastructure support.  Thanks go to you and this amazing crew.   

B. Dodd and S. Ponder 

September 7, 2024 - Public Works / Utilities (Erik Kistler)

I had sewage vacuum issues yesterday (Friday 9/6) evening and called emergency hotline 890-3773. The dispatcher contacted the technician on call immediately and I got call from Erik within 5 minutes and he was already on his way in. After he arrived he quickly figured out what the problem is and explained it to me while he was working. After he completed his wonderful job. He repeated tested system and make sure it is working properly. I am proud of our county having him employed. Just because people like him would take our residents feel safe and satisfying! 

Thanks again, 

Wayne

September 5, 2024 - Public Works

Mr. Krieger: 

I wanted to reach out to you to recognize the exceptional work, support and professional image Mr. Joe Woody provides. Mr. Woody is the gentleman who provides curbside pickup for our debris when we call the county. He always goes above and beyond to assure everything is picked up and the area is left absolutely perfect. He has been doing this for years, and always does an exceptional job….every single time.  

I’ve been involved in the service business for many, many years, and it is hard to find an employee that provides that level of professionalism, courtesy and care in his job day after day, year after year. This is the kind of employee you want others to learn from, and the kind of image every organization wants.  

He is always courteous and meets customers with a smile and pleasant conversation…even when the job is big and often messy. His attitude is positive and infectious.

I believe Mr. Woody is worthy of public recognition for the outstanding job he does and the great name he brings to your customers for the York County Public Works department.

- R. C. Howell

August 21, 2024 - Public Works

Mr. Brogan: 

Please pass on to your swale management team my thanks for their efforts to clean the swale bordering our property line. When I called I mentioned I do what I can, but can’t reach certain areas.  Your team was very quick to respond. Thanks again.

 - B. Beechel

August 16, 2024 - Dockmaster (Compliments to Ryan Fischer)

Good evening.  I know this is long overdue, but I did not want to let an opportunity go by to pass on compliments.  

In July of 2024, my boyfriend and I traveled around the Chesapeake Bay for the first time in a boat that is new to us.  In our travels, we found the Riverwalk Landing Marina and stayed there on two separate occasions. Both times, once the weekend of July 6-8 and the other around July 18-19, we had the pleasure of being assisted by Ryan. 

Ryan had a very welcoming demeanor, was very knowledgeable of how to assist a boat captain into a docking location, and showed his professionalism with every interaction. 

Once docked, Ryan was attentive to ensure our electric functioned when hooked up, gave great information related to how the marina works, and provided tips on the local area. 

 Furthermore, when we noticed we had a mechanical issue with our generator, Ryan, being a local who also is a boater, offered assistance through his wealth of knowledge regarding not only mechanics, but also local businesses that could offer parts and/or service when needed. 

We had a wonderful time during both visits, not only because of the beautiful and historic nature of the town, but for the interactions we had with Ryan. 

Thank you for the opportunity to share this praise. 

~ Sharon and Rudy

August 2, 2024 - Fire and Life Safety

Dear Chief Kopczynski, 

On behalf of the Newport News Fire Department, I sincerely thank you for your kindness, sympathy and support during this difficult time. We deeply appreciate your assistance by providing apparatus to support our operations during the funeral service. Lieutenant Rodney White was an exceptional individual and one of the most reliable and dedicated members of our team. His unwavering commitment, willingness to step up and help, and his remarkable leadership qualities made him an invaluable part of our department. Lt. White was not only a thoughtful listener but also a true friend and confidant. His 18 years of service will always be remembered and cherished by all of us. 

Thanks again for all your support, it was much appreciated during this challenging period.

Wesley A. Rogers Fire Chief 

July 30, 2024 - Waste Management (Voicemails about Willie Banks) 

Good morning, this is T. Hoffman. I just wanted to say thank you so much, the guy came out just now to pick up our trees/limbs.  He did such a quick, amazing job, and he made sure he got all of the leaves up off the ground.  Anyway, I just really appreciate you guys.  I just wanted to say thank you.   

Good morning, this is H. Haley.  Ordered a yard debris pickup yesterday, the guy came out this morning. He does a wonderful job.  The neighbors had a huge pile of limbs, doesn’t look like they were piled up.  He does such a good job cleaning up that it’s hard to tell there was a pile there, the neighbor’s or ours.  Like that y’all are doing the fine jobs, give my compliments to him.  He was great.  Thank ya!  

July 22, 2024 - Fire and Life Safety

Good afternoon Chief, 

Our family would like to take a moment to say thank you to you and your team at Fire Station Number 4 (Goosley Rd and RT 17 location) for their compassionate and caring attitude when our 3 year old grandson we injured Friday, July 19, 2024 at 5:30 pm. 

We were in the church parking lot at the corner of Rt 17 and Goosley Rd when our grandson ran into the comer of the truck tailgate, sustaining an injury to his eye. The fire station was closer and quicker than us calling either 911 or proceeding to the hospital. The speed at which your team responded was very efficient. They evaluated his injury all the while calming him down and assuring him and us that everything would be alright. They ask us if we wanted to transport him to the hospital via ambulance but declined in case that the ambulance was needed for a greater emergency. Our grandson received a contusion to his eye and a tear on his retina. No permanent damage to his eye. We cannot thank you enough for all that was done to help us during this very stressful time. Our grandson is loving his firefighter hat and talks about his new friends at the station. We are thankful everyday for the service and sacrifice of our first responders. 

July 19, 2024 - Vehicle Maintenance (from the York County Registrar, Walt Latham)

Mark, 

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the help of the York County vehicle folks. 

We had an out-of-town training the past couple of days, and we used the County vehicle assigned to our office. Before we left we took it in for an informal safety inspection to ensure it was ready for the trip.  

On the way back from our training I was noticing how smooth of a ride it was. There were no issues with the vehicle. It occurred to me that I wanted to make this known to you, as well as make it known how much I appreciated the help of those employees in making sure everything was ready to go. 

I’m not sure if there’s a way to formally document this appreciation other than an email, but I wanted to at least do that so that it was known about the care and helpfulness shown by the Vehicle Fleet Department and everyone who works on our vehicles. 

Walt

July 16, 2024 - Fire & Life Safety / Drone Team

Dear Chief Ski - 

I want to take a moment to write and thank you and the members of your Drone Team for their assistance that they provided to this office on July 10, 2024. Our office was engaged in a standoff with an armed male who had committed a violent fe lony the previous evening. Once communications broke down with this person, your office was contacted for support. 

Within the hour, Devin Whitaker, Scott Hartley, Tyler Siednitzer, and Sean Pullen along with members of the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office arrived on scene. Your staff was professional, and they were able to assist our Special Operations Unit with clearing a portion ofthe apartment. We ultimately had to enter the structure, but we were able to take the individual into custody without incident. 

Once again, thank you to you and your staff for your support. I appreciate the partnership! 

Sincerely, 

D. W. Warren, Jr. 
Sheriff- Gloucester County, VA

July 16, 2024 - Waste Management

When is the last time, Mr. Supervisor that someone wrote to you with a POSITIVE story or message?! Sooooooooo,  please add this to the "Minutes" tonight if appropriate: 

           On July 5th I went to the dump (a regular occurrence) w/ Jean's pickup.  Lots to unload at the recycle and dumpsters... 

                 Kelly was at the guardhouse (dumpsters).  We've met her several times throughout the years...She's always been cordial, but that day, embarrassingly, I closed AND locked the keys inside Jean's pickup!

...Kelly came over after I unloaded.  She said, "please come inside and have some water".  We now have A/C and a fan...It was 95-degrees w/ 90% humidity!  I thanked her profusely and she shared stories "about my upbringing, and this is the way my Parents raised me".  

IN addition, we saw Supervisor/Manager "Duke" come by a couple times.  First time was to pack down the dumpsters...Second time, was to "check on the guy in the Guardhouse"!  

      After 1 1/2 hours, my (annoyed) Wife arrived w/ spare truck keys (and Adult daughter and Granddaughter) -- they were shopping ! :) 

  Today I went by to express my Gratitude w/ a card and Gift Certificate...PLEASE be sure to pass on my appreciation for Kelly's kindness and benevolence.  (It was not clear whether she was a York County employee or RSG employee).  In addition, please tell "Duke" next Beer or adult beverage is on me...Thank You.

 Sincerely,
S. Kennedy - Old Quaker Estates resident

July 12, 2024 - Waste Management

Good afternoon, 

I entered an online request for a yard debris pickup on Saturday, July 6, 2024. I was contacted on Monday, July 8 and was told I could have a pickup of the tree limbs as early as that same day.  We are still pruning limbs so I asked for a pick-up on the following Monday. This afternoon one of your debris pick-up drivers (Woody) was in our neighborhood with his truck and offered to take away the large pile of tree branches we had on the curb in front of the house. Since we had completed pruning trees yesterday, we said that would be good. Woody then picked up all of the branches and afterwards raked up the loose debris and picked that up too. By the time he left, there was no evidence that there had been a large pile of tree branches in front of our house. Woody is very professional, friendly, courteous, and technically competent.  We are very glad that he works for York County. 

Sincerely, 

D. Feser

July 11, 2024 - Economic & Tourism Development

Dear Mr. Bellamy, 

I hope I am writing to the correct person, however, if you are not the one I should be speaking to, would you be kind enough to forward this email to the appropriate person? 

My husband and I were visiting family in Seaford this week and had the opportunity to visit lovely and historic Yorktown on Monday, July 8th.  While we were taking in the sights and heading towards the RIverwalk Cafe to have lunch, a couple with a dog were coming in our direction.  Since we needed to cross the plaza, we stopped to allow the couple to pass us by.  As they drew nearer, their dog lunged at me and I pulled my hand back just in time to avoid getting a dog bite.  The couple seemed unfazed and commented their dog "is very friendly" to which I replied  it certainly was not and it should be muzzled. 

We then entered the restaurant and were seated for lunch when we were approached  by a gentleman noting he had seen the incident with the dog and while the police were holding the couple and dog outside, he wanted to know if the dog had broken the skin.  I assured him it did not and he said the incident would be managed.  I am hopeful the couple were fined for having this dog not under control especially given the number of people in the area.  Mr. Scruggs was  very professional and was truly interested in my well being.  We were very surprised and pleased that the area around the harbor is watched so carefully.

Later that day while we were walking we happened to meet up with the same gentleman who had come to the restaurant and it turns out he is the dockmaster for your town!  He was knowledgeable about the area and bridge, filling us in with all those details that only someone from the area with a true interest in his job could convey.  We spent several minutes speaking with him and exchanging information about where we live as well. (Maine)

I think it is very important to acknowledge an individual who goes above and beyond the scope of their job description when dealing with the public.  Please convey our thanks to Mr. Scruggs for his kindness and attention which goes a long way to making the waterfront of your beautiful town safe and secure for everyone.

Sincerely yours, 
C & S Sessions
Andover, Maine