Kissimmee honors and recently retired and fallen employees at memorial

Construction at the front of Kissimmee City Hall — including the city’s iconic memorial to past employees, now disassembled for relocation to make way for the work — didn’t put a damper on an annual tradition to recognize those remembered on the statue.

Moved to the side parking lot and bathed in warm sunshine, the city of Kissimmee held its annual Employee Memorial Service Friday morning to remember those employees that have passed, including line of duty deaths, and honor those who have retired in the last year.

Part of the annual tradition is to place a red or white rose in their honor. The fallen’s former co-workers or family members traditionally place the roses — roses being used as being one of few flowers that can be preserved for a lifetime with the correct methods.

The City of Kissimmee, Toho Water Authority, and Kissimmee Utility Authority joined in the annual service. While having somber moments, it still serves as a celebration, emcee and Kissimmee Strategic Communications Specialist, said.

“Every name we say, the retirees, the employees who have passed, they chose to give their lives to service, and spend their days making the community we live in a better place, of their own free will for much of their lives,” he said.

Among this year’s honored retirees include Donna Presswood, who has contributed time and talent to each of the memorial services, and will retire in August, concluding 41 years with the city. She read “Poem of Life,” which spoke of rewarding, ending journeys: 

“We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay.”

Soulful renditions of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were” and The Beatles’ classic “Let It Be” were delivered by city employee Deborah Ashley and Toho Water Authority’s Gwen Henry.

Before reading the names of those who passed away while in service to Kissimmee, City Manager Mike Steigerwald, noting a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for all who contributed to the “remarkable journey” of the city’s growth.

“It is both and honor and a privilege to address such a dedicated and hardworking group of individuals who tirelessly served our community,” he said. “We gather to not only acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made by our city and utility employees, but to celebrate the collective efforts that propelled us forward realizing our vision of a thriving and growing city.

“Time and time again, our employees have risen to the occasion, with unwavering determination and commitment. Each one plays a vital role in shaping the landscape of our city and enhancing the quality of life for our resident. Today we come together to express heartfelt gratitude for the countless hours of hard work and dedication that our past employee invested in this community, exhibiting resilience and strength, going above and beyond the call of duty to serve with professionalism and compassion. They represent decades of hard work and sacrifice to families, who didn’t get to spend some holidays together, or had to go it alone as a hurricane approached; families who never again get to share those precious moments of life. Let us never forget those sacrifices.”