New Bedford, Massachusetts- On Thursday April 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Buttonwood Park Educational Center, in Buttonwood Park Zoo, Mayor Scott W. Lang will recognize 157 city employees and board and commission members for their various years of service to the citizens of New Bedford.

During this ceremony, municipal employees will be awarded a longevity pin for the following periods of service: five years, ten years, fifteen years, twenty years, twenty-five years, thirty years, thirty-five years and forty years. 

“The City of New Bedford runs each day on the energy, ability and commitment to public service exhibited by thousands of city employees and board members.  This week, we will take the time to recognize those municipal employees who have dedicated many years of their professional career and in some cases their entire professional career to serving the citizens of the City of New Bedford,” said Mayor Scott W. Lang.  

Rita D. Arruda, one of five individuals to be recognized in the thirty-five year category, began working for the City in 1973 as a Junior Clerk and worked her way up to her current position as City Clerk. “I have met so many interesting people through my years of service with the City and I have truly enjoyed serving the people of New Bedford here in City Hall,” Rita said of her experience working for the City.

Other employees slated to receive longevity pins include Librarian Beverly Gracia recipient of the 40-year pin; Firefighter Gary Gomes recipient of the 35-year pin; and At-Large City Councilor Brian Gomes recipient of the 15-year pin, to name a few.

Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)

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