Colorado River District employees gather to celebrate service and teamwork

Employees from across the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District gathered beneath the shade trees of a historic Kingman park to celebrate public service, teamwork and accomplishment during the district’s annual employee appreciation luncheon.

The potluck-style picnic brought together employees from multiple programs and field offices in a setting that reflected both the district’s strong community culture and Kingman’s deep local history. Located along historic Beale Street near the heart of old downtown Kingman, Metcalfe Park was deeded to the city in 1934 by civic leader Charles Metcalfe, who is often remembered as one of the early visionaries behind community development in Kingman and the establishment of Hualapai Mountain Park. The park has long served as a gathering place for community events, celebrations and visitors traveling the historic Route 66 corridor. 

Colorado River District Manager William Mack, Jr. opened the gathering with words of appreciation for district employees, praising what he described as the team’s exceptional productivity and dedication to public service.

Mack highlighted the district’s ability to consistently deliver high levels of work across a wide range of programs and responsibilities, while recognizing the accomplishments of the district as a whole. He also expressed pride in leading an “outstanding team of public servants.”

Deputy District Manager Shane Garside then presented awards recognizing employee achievements and years of service.

Recognitions included:

• Director’s Team Accomplishment Award presented to the district’s law enforcement team  
• Exemplary Service Award presented to Chief Ranger Barry Sullins 
• 15-Year Service Award presented to Fuels Technician Jason Potthoff 
• 10-Year Service Award recognizing Biological Science Technician Lee Shenk, accepted on his behalf by Assistant Field Manager Eddie Mayes 
• Director’s Appreciation Award presented to Administrative Support Assistant Heidi Kuntz
• Champion of the Month recognition presented to Wild Horse and Burro Specialist Chad Benson (Burro Rescue)

As employees moved through the buffet line and gathered around communal tables, conversations flowed easily between work groups that do not always interact during day-to-day operations. Employees shared stories, laughter and updates from across the district, creating an atmosphere that reflected the close working relationships built through shared service on public lands.

The event also served as a reminder that behind the wide variety of BLM programs — from recreation and fire management to wild horse and burro operations, law enforcement, fuels, wildlife and administration — is a network of employees working together toward a common mission.

Although the Colorado River District fire program is now aligned under the newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), firefighters remain an integral part of the broader public lands team and were welcomed participants in the employee appreciation luncheon. USWFS personnel continue to work closely with BLM leadership and field staff on hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire operations, wildfire response and long-term land stewardship across western Arizona. Their continued partnership and daily coordination with BLM managers reflect the strong interagency relationships that support public safety, healthy landscapes and effective land management throughout the district.

Following the luncheon, many employees stopped by the Kingman Field Office for an opportunity to meet “Landon,” an orphaned burro.

The young burro quickly became the unofficial highlight of the afternoon, nudging employees for attention while eagerly searching for his next bottle. Because the foal requires specialized care, Landon has already been designated for local adoption placement.

By the end of the day, employees returned to their respective duty stations carrying more than leftovers and folding chairs. They returned with renewed connections to coworkers, a strengthened sense of teamwork and a shared commitment to serving the public through the stewardship of America’s public lands.