Praise for supervising public health nurse who is retiring after 28 years

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mary Ellen Messmer is happy on Tuesday when she was presented a special recognition award in appreciation for her 28 years of service with the Orleans County Health Department. Messmer is retiring as a supervising public health nurse.

Next to her is Public Health Director Paul Pettit, left, and County Legislator Don Allport.

Messmer was the county’s employee of the year in 2020-21 in recognition of her efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Back then she took the lead with case investigations when someone tested positive for Covid. She was praised for showing compassion to residents in a stressful situation.

Messmer started her career with the county as an RN charge nurse 28 years ago in the county nursing home and then move to the Supervising Nurse in the Public Health Department.

“Your dedication and expertise has benefited our county tremendously, especially leading the nursing response during the Covid pandemic, managing the migrant outreach community preventing illnesses and making sure individuals are compliant with various additional treatments,” county legislators said in the recognition award. “We appreciate your support and commitment, which will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby wish you well as you enjoy retirement.”