Beginning Monday, Feb. 11, Wichita and Sedgwick County residents are encouraged to nominate public employees for the annual Excellence in Public Service Award. The award, in its 26th year, recognizes City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public School employees who exhibit the highest standard of service.

The nomination process begins at 8 a.m. on Monday and continues through 5 p.m., March 13. Nomination forms are available in the City Manager’s Office, the County Communications Office and USD 259’s Marketing and Communications Office. Nomination forms also are available at www.wichita.gov and may be submitted online.

Each honoree will receive $2,500. The Excellence in Public Service Award is designed to highlight public sector employees who go beyond the call of duty. Nominees should demonstrate the following attributes:

• Exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest,
• Innovative problem-solving skills that have improved service delivery,
• Adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out job responsibilities, and
• A record of community involvement through participation in civic organizations.

Honorees are selected by a nine-member committee, comprised of public and private sector members. Winners are surprised at work by their supervisors, colleagues, awards committee members and the media in coordinated visits. Recipients are later honored at a reception attended by family, friends and co-workers. The Excellence in Public Service Award is sponsored by the DeVore Foundation and KSN.