Jerry Gaa Retiring After 40 Years of City Service

Streets Department worker to be recognized at tonight's Council meeting;

'Whenever we need him, he's there,' says supervisor

RAPID CITY, SD--In 1978, gas sold for 63 cents per gallon; kids were wearing Star Wars pajamas; most cars had an 8-track player and a CB radio; Affirmed was winning the Triple Crown; 'Happy Days' was big on TV and 'Grease', 'Animal House' and 'Saturday Night Fever' were hits at the box office.  Gold reaches an all-time high of $200 per ounce and the first cell phone is introduced in Illinois.

            And Jerry Gaa was beginning his public service career with the City of Rapid City.  Gaa joined the City Streets Department on June 5, 1978 and the job was a good fit, for employee and employer.

            Gaa retires this Friday after 40 years and four days with the City, all with the Streets Department.  He currently serves as a streets maintenance operator.  Mayor Steve Allender and the Rapid City Council will recognize Gaa for his service at tonight's City Council meeting.

            "He's always been a super operator," said City Streets Superintendent Dale Pfeifle.  "He sweeps, he runs the pot-holer, he removes snow, he's a part of the asphalt crew.  Whatever we need him to do he does it.  Whenever we need him, he's there."

            Gaa is one of four active City employees with 40 or more years of service.

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Thank you,

Darrell W. Shoemaker | Communications Coordinator

T: 605.721.6686 | M: 605.939.8551

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W: www.rcgov.org

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