 - Local officials recognized retiring Airport Operator Justin Hays for his 30-plus years of service to the City of Riverton this week, thanking him for his decades of dedication and offering him a key to the city.){kind=link}
(Riverton, WY) – Local officials recognized retiring Airport Operator Justin Hays for his 30-plus years of service to the City of Riverton this week, thanking him for his decades of dedication and offering him a key to the city.
Hays worked for the City of Riverton for 31 years, including 27 years at the airport, Public Works Director Brendan Thoman told the Riverton City Council during a meeting this week.
He is also a fire officer with HAZMAT and airport rescue certification, Thoman said – “so, no small resume for this man.”
“He’s going to be missed,” Thoman said. “He’s an incredible asset to the airport – and I would say a staple at the airport.”
Recalling that Hays initially worked in law enforcement for the city, Mayor Tim Hancock thanked him for “being willing to serve our community in a lot of different capacities.”
Hancock also pointed out that Hays and his wife, Terri, are both “very involved in a lot of different organizations that benefit the citizens of Riverton.”
“I just want to wholeheartedly tell you thank you and you’re appreciated,” Hancock said. “I hope you enjoy your quasi-retirement.”
Hancock was referring to Hays’ new job as a fire extinguisher inspector, which Hays said keeps him “busy all the time.”
“I won’t have time to sit and (miss) the airport,” he laughed. “I’ll be all over the county doing fire (extinguishers).”
City Administrator Kyle Butterfield said it was “great to see” that Hays had already embarked on “his next career.”
“We appreciate his service to the city,” Butterfield said, describing Hays as “just the type of guy that’s very friendly.” “It’s great to see him come to the end of a successful career.”