John Martin honored by Colorado Counties, Inc.

Garfield County Commissioner earns Distinguished Service Award

PRESS RELEASE
December 1, 2017

Garfield County Commissioner John Martin is the 2017 recipient of the Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) Distinguished Service Award. CCI presented the six-term county commissioner with this prestigious service award on Nov. 28 at its winter conference in Colorado Springs

Larimer County Commissioner and CCI board President Lew Gaiter III bestowed the award, calling Martin a rugged individualist and leader who believes an understanding of history and the ability to listen are key to making the correct decisions for constituents.

“This is an award that goes to someone who has given consistently of their time and talents over a long period of time to serve CCI and its members,” Gaiter said. “Our winner is an individual who has their heart in the past, their mind on the present, and their eyes on the future.

“This is the kind of reliable, honest person you would value as a friend,” he continued. “In fact, this person is our friend, our inspiration, and our advocate.”

Martin said he was taken by surprise at the award ceremony, and was likely the only one in the room who wasn’t privy to the fact that he was being honored that evening.

“I was totally blown away,” Martin said. “I’m truly humbled, and appreciate their confidence in me. All I try to do is do my job and set the standard for all of our employees.”

The Distinguished Service Award is given based on both quality and length of service. Nominees must show a profound willingness to unselfishly devote their time and energy to the “greater good.” The winner is selected by the CCI board, which includes eight county commissioners from throughout Colorado.

Martin was also honored by CCI in 2013 as Commissioner of the Year. But he said the Distinguished Service Award tops all of the accolades he’s received, since it’s based on a lifetime of public service.

“This is far and above the Commissioner of the Year award,” he said. “It means even more.”

CUTLINES:
Photo by Thomas Kimmell
Garfield County Commissioner John Martin receives the Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) Distinguished Service Award in Colorado Springs on Nov. 28. Larimer County Commissioner and CCI board President Lew Gaiter III presented the award to Martin.

Photo by Thomas Kimmell
Garfield County Commissioner John Martin accepts the Distinguished Service Award at the Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) winter conference in Colorado Springs this week.