2020 Person of the Year Nominee: Rick Williams

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
More than four decades of dedicated service to the same community deserves recognition, and there is no better way to show appreciation for that person than a Person of the Year nomination. For recently retired Weston County Road and Bridge Supervisor Rick Williams, his career was his life, often spending hours away from his family to take care of Weston County’s road needs, according to his nominator.
“His hard work and perseverance to this job often went unnoticed,” daughter Amanda Williams said. “There were countless times calls would come in about obstructions on the county roads, bridges being washed out, cattle guards needing fixed — it never mattered the time, he would always go out and remove the obstruction or place signs so no one would get hurt.” 
Brooke Weigel, secretary at Weston County Road and Bridge, echoed the sentiments shared by Williams’ daughter, stating that Williams
never clocked the overtime hours, donating his time to Weston County. 
“During winter months he would leave his house around two in the morning to drive roads to make sure he sent blades out so citizens and buses could get to town. His top priority was his job, and he took it very seriously,” Amanda said. “I do not know how many countless hours he donated to the citizens of this county — hours he sacrificed not being able to spend with his family.” 
Not only did Williams donate his time to his community, going above and beyond, but he treated his coworkers like family, Weigel said. 
“He is like a dad to everyone in the shop. That is how he treats everyone. He really cares about you and wants what is best for you,” Weigel said. “He taught me everything I know. People discredited him a lot but he is so intelligent. He took the time to help me learn everything I could so I could be a valuable employee.” 
Williams’ dedication to the county went beyond just fixing and maintaining Weston County’s roads. According to his daughter, Williams also spent time helping the Weston County Fire Protection District on numerous occasions. His job meant learning the roads, working with engineers and landowners, and keeping the Weston County Commissioners up to date on everything
road and bridge within the county – which is no easy task – and his efforts throughout the years to do his absolute best did not go unnoticed. 
According the Weston County Commissioners, Williams is an employee that went above and beyond. His knowledge is irreplaceable and his shoes are not easily filled. 
The board often thanked Williams for the amount of time and energy he spent
dedicated to Weston County and its citizens. 
“No matter the situation, he was always there to lend a helping hand,” Weigel said. “He honestly is the greatest person ever.”