It is rare that an organization is able to enjoy the privilege of working with an employee for more than 40 years. But, the City of Harrisonville has been lucky enough to enjoy working with Mr. Rodney Jacobs for more than 47 years!
Jacobs, who serves as the City’s Streets Superintendent, officially retired on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
Rodney was hired by the City’s Streets Department on November 10, 1975, after honorably serving in the United States Army. Rodney through his 47 years, six months and one week, has been an invaluable asset to the entire Harrisonville community, as we have worked through the years to arrive where we are today.
(A photo of the Harrisonville Streets Department in 1991. Jacobs pictured bottom-right.)
Rodney’s leadership and commitment to the Harrisonville community were noticed early on in his career, and were eventually rewarded, as he was promoted to the Streets Superintendent position in 2009. These traits were also recognized through various City awards, including multiple Employee of the Year awards, Steven P. Rausher Leadership awards and Challenger awards.
(Image 1 - Rodney receiving a promotion to Streets Department Superintendent in 2009.) (Image 2 - Rodney receiving the Employee of the Year Award in 2015.)
In a similar nod to the commitment Rodney has shown to the Harrisonville community, Mayor Mike Zaring, during the Board of Aldermen meeting on May 15, asked the Board to approve of renaming the Streets Department's facility on S Independence Street to the 'Rodney Jacobs Streets Maintenance Shop'. The Board moved to approve the name change and it passed unanimously. During the meeting, Rodney spoke about the joy and pride he has found while working for the City and spoke about the character of the people who he has worked with and come to know as friends. Click here to view a recording of the meeting.
Rodney leaves behind a proud legacy of leadership, dedication and a service-above-self attitude. During his time with the City, Rodney was often asked to take on a wide variety of tasks, many of which were unpleasant. But he was always up to the challenge, and worked diligently to make sure the job was done properly.
We are confident that the City of Harrisonville would not be where it is today without the hard work, selfless leadership and commitment to excellence that Rodney Jacobs brought to work every day.
Words cannot describe our gratitude. Thank you for all you have done Rodney. Your legacy will surely endure throughout the City and the entire Harrisonville community.