By Geovanny Conn18 Nov, 202313 mins read 156 views

Veteran inspector Linda Day, who has left her mark on the county's food safety standards during her distinguished career, is stepping down.

MORGAN COUNTY, INDIANA - Morgan County Environmental Health Inspector Linda Day is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service and will leave a legacy of ensuring food safety and protecting public health. To celebrate her contributions, her coworkers posted a sticky note countdown calendar on her office door, marking the day of her official retirement.

Dye's career with the Morgan County Health Department spanned two decades and included food program management and environmental health inspections. During her tenure, she played a key role in maintaining high standards of food safety in restaurants throughout the county, conducting regular inspections, and providing overall guidance to food business managers.

In addition to her inspection work, Dye served as an instructor for the Food Certification Program, teaching the fundamentals and hands-on methods to ensure that restaurant managers comply with food safety regulations. Her passion for food safety education extends beyond the classroom, and she is actively involved in the community, providing valuable insight and support to food preparation and serving staff.

Day's contributions to the Morgan County Health Department are not limited to her technical expertise. She is widely admired for her collaborative spirit and dedication to her team, creating a supportive and positive work environment. Her coworkers describe her as a kind, caring and hardworking person who always went out of her way to help others.

As Day prepares to begin her retirement, she is overwhelmed with emotion, admitting that it is bittersweet to leave an organization that has been such an integral part of her life. There is no doubt that she will miss her coworkers and the work she holds dear, but she is also looking forward to the new opportunities and experiences that retirement will bring.

Stephanie Adams, Environmental Health Inspector, will take over for Day, who has been training hard under Day's tutelage for the past six months. Adams has gained invaluable knowledge and insight from Day's mentorship and is confident that she is qualified for the position.

Adams said, "I feel knowledgeable and if I have any questions, I know I can find resources. While recognizing the challenges ahead, she said she is willing to step up to the plate.

Adams describes Day as "the encyclopedia of environmental health," and emphasizes her wealth of expertise and willingness to share her knowledge. She expressed appreciation for Day's guidance and support and noted that Day's absence would be felt within the department.

"I have some very big shoes to fill," Adams acknowledged, recognizing the legacy Day left behind.

Day agreed with Adams' assessment, emphasizing the importance of continually learning and adapting in the environmental health field. She is confident that Adams will excel in the position, noting Adams' dedication and willingness to learn new things every day.

Day affirmed, "She is growing in this area every day and I think she will do an outstanding job for the health department. She is proud of Adams' development as an environmental health inspector.

As Day prepares to retire, she reflects on her experience, noting the profound impact her work has had on her life. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities and relationships she has built over the years.

"I've had a wonderful time here," she said, with emotion in her voice." It's a great place to work. Everyone helps each other and we've grown together.

While Dye's official retirement date is approaching, her legacy will continue to impact the Morgan County Health Department's commitment to food safety and public health. Her contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the community, ensuring that Morgan County residents will continue to benefit from her dedication to excellence.