Recognizing his 32 years of service, the Turlock Irrigation Board of Directors honored long-term employee Stephen Pinkney as he sets to retire.

During their meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Directors set aside time to recognize Pinkney’s retirement, noting his continued dedication and conscientious service to the district as a Line Scheduling Supervisor.

Joining the district Line Department in the early 1980s, Pinkney says he started as a Line Department apprentice before moving his way up.

“I remember seeing an ad in the newspaper for a lineman position, and decided to respond to it,” said Pinkney. “There were about 500 people who took the test, and only two of us got the job. I think it also helped that I was a local.”

Pinkney has been part of the Turlock community his entire life. He and his wife continue to live in town, while their two children currently live in the Las Vegas area.

“My whole family is from this area,” said Pinkney. “My brother, my parents, everyone. All of us have always been here in Turlock.”

After joining as an apprentice, Pinkney quickly moved up in the department to a management position. Over the years, he has served as a Line Scheduling Supervisor, where he would oversee the multiple jobs and crews within the Line Department, as well as helping customers.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with TID,” said Pinkney. “It’s been a great place to work.”

During the TID meeting, Line Department Manager Jeff Anderson presented Pinkney with a Certificate of Retirement.