Outstanding City Employee is selected for his dedication

By Staci Dennis, The Virginian-Pilot - 5/27/2007

Rick Scarper doesn’t mind checking sand dunes, monitoring area rivers or examining grass growth while helping residents fill out paperwork for variance changes.

“He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and knees wet,” said Jack Whitney, Virginia Beach acting planning director. “He will do what it takes to help the people in the city while maintaining the integrity of the local landscape.”

Scarper’s dedication was honored recently when he was named Outstanding City Employee of the Year by the Virginia Beach Rotary Club. He received the accolade during a ceremony at the DoubleTree Inn on 19th Street.

“It’s very humbling and such a privilege to receive this award,” said Scarper, 53, of Chesapeake. “We all work hard to do our part.” Scarper, a 33-year city employee, is planning evaluation coordinator.

“Rick is helping make this a wonderful city to live in,” said George Sabol, Rotary president. “He helps the people while looking out for the welfare of the natural surroundings.”

Scarper is the 27th recipient of the Dr. Jimmy Williams Service Award, which recognizes one outstanding city employee each year.

Scarper is also staff liaison to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board, working with board chairman Wayne McCoy.

“He’s constantly interfacing with the public and dealing with people in a positive way,” McCoy said.

In addition to helping preserve local waterways such as the Lynnhaven and Elizabeth rivers, sand dunes and marsh lands, Scarper said he enjoys helping people understand the rules and regulations for various areas.

“He has the power of positive thinking and speech,” Whitney said. “That goes a long way in helping people understand what they can and can’t do.”

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net

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