By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s not a bad way to way to retire from your job–having your last day proclaimed in your honor by the city mayor.

Hays Public Works Director I.D. Creech is retiring Friday, after more than 30 years of public service with county and city administrations in Kansas.

Mayor Eber Phelps read a special proclamation during the Thursday night city commission work session, thanking Creech for his public service, dedication and integrity.

“I.D. Creech began his career in city-county government as in intern in the budget office for the city of Wichita and has since served as city administrator for Ellsworth, city manager for Osage City, city administrator for Valley Center, county administrator for Harper County, and director of public works for Hays,” Phelps read from the plaque.

“I.D. has dedicated the last 30 years to serving the public in a professional manner and with the highest ethical standards. Therefore, I, Eber Phelps, mayor of Hays, on behalf of the city commission, declare Friday, June 19, 2015, as ‘I.D. Creech Day.'”

Creech also served as interim Hays Regional Airport manager from May through November, 2014.

Creech was given a second plaque from the mayor affixed with the key to the city of Hays.

He started his job in Hays almost exactly four years ago, on July 11, 2011. Creech said he and his wife, who was in the audience to watch the ceremony, “plan to travel.”

The Hays director of public works is responsible for the service, solid waste, planning, inspection and enforcement, airport, fleet maintenance, buildings and grounds, and stormwater management divisions.

A review of applications for the position began in March after Creech announced his retirement in late February.