Fiscal Note
No expenditure required
Title
Commending, honoring and expressing appreciation to Rita Johnson upon her retirement from the City of Madison after 44 years of exemplary service.
Body
WHEREAS, in 1971 Rita Johnson, a longtime Madison resident, began a 44-and-a-half year career first with the City of Madison in the Human Services Department, transitioning to the Madison Fire Department in 1986; and
WHEREAS, Rita was involved in the mentoring of 48 command staff and chief officers at the Madison Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Rita’s unique ability to forge positive relationships throughout the City, tenaciously search for solutions to complex problems, and remain flexible amid changing priorities, enabled the Madison Fire Department to be responsive to shifting and emergent needs; and
WHEREAS, Rita crafted numerous grant contracts and proposals to allow the Madison Fire Department to bridge financial gaps; and
WHEREAS, Rita oversaw the allocation and distribution of nearly one billion dollars in capital and operating budgets for the Madison Fire Department over the course of 29 consecutive budget cycles; and
WHEREAS, Rita was an integral part of fire station remodels and new constructions, the development of the MFD Hazardous Materials Team, the Department’s financial tracking system, staffing software, and the implementation of a plan review and inspection fee; and
WHEREAS, Rita provided the necessary support that has allowed Madison firefighters to effectively serve the residents and visitors of the city of Madison; and
WHEREAS, Rita’s dedication to the Madison Fire Department and the City of Madison has made the community a better place to live;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Common Council of the City of Madison thank Rita Johnson for her decades of leadership and dedication to the City of Madison and wish her well in her retirement and future endeavors.