WINTON – Their jobs will be filled, but it’s hard to replace a combined 60 years of experience.

Recently, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners paid their respect to a pair of county employees, Icy Eley Hedgepeth and Charles Jones, who have each ended 30 years worth of public service.

Hedgepeth served continuously in the Hertford County Department of Social Services from March 10, 1980 until her retirement on March 25 of this year.

Praising Hedgepeth in a resolution of appreciation, the commissioners said, “During her term of service, the citizens of Hertford County have benefitted from her experience, ability and devotion to her work.”

The resolution continued to express the gratitude of the commissioners for her many years of diligent service.

“Icy Eley Hedgepeth continuously updated her department to better serve the public and all the citizens of Hertford County,” the resolution read.

Hedgepeth retired in the position of Income Maintenance Caseworker II.

“Icy is a product of Hertford County,” said Commissioner Curtis Freeman. “She gave the citizens of this county her very best and we appreciate what she did for the county.”

Board Chairman Johnnie Ray Farmer echoed his colleague’s thoughts, jokingly adding, “Can we call on you if we need you?”

During his 30 years of continuous service, Jones worked first with the county’s Sheriff’s Office before moving over to Emergency Medical Services and the county’s Director of Emergency Management.

He came aboard on Oct. 1, 1980 and worked until his retirement on April 2, 2010.

“Hertford County has been fortunate to have had the efficient and devoted services of Charles B. Jones,” stated a resolution of appreciation in his honor. “This Board of Commissioners herby expresses its gratitude for his many years of diligent service.”

“Charles was a go-to guy…he was always prepared,” Farmer noted.

“We are losing a valuable part of Hertford County government with Charles retiring,” Freeman stated. “You can’t replace that experience, plus he’s homegrown which makes his service to his fellow citizens of Hertford County much more special.”

“You’re not going to find many Charles Jones’ in this world,” Commissioner Howard Hunter III said.

“Your 30 years of experience will be missed,” added Commissioner Ronald Gatling

Both retirees were presented with framed copies of the resolution of appreciation read in their honor.