City, co-workers, friends and family celebrate with Brenda McCabe on her retirement

[January 27, 2015]  LINCOLN - It was a nice crowd that gathered on Monday in one of the city of Lincoln Fire Department's truck bays. It was luncheon setup to say "Thank You" and to wish a veteran servant, Brenda McCabe, happiness in her retirement.

Last Friday was McCabe's last day to work. She worked for the city of Lincoln 35 years, the past 4 1/2 years as the Lincoln Police Department's administrative assistant.

McCabe was bestowed with three plaques, each accompanied by genuine best wishes. She was honored for her for exemplary work on behalf of the city of Lincoln by Mayor Keith Snyder; Lincoln's Deputy Police Chief Paul Adams; and local Fraternal Order of Police president, Detective/Sergeant Matthew Vlahovich.

In a note of recognition, Lincoln Police Department's Chief of Police Ken Greenslate and Deputy Chief of Police Paul Adams said, "Brenda has been instrumental in several projects due to her attention to detail and her ability to work faster than Superman. Brenda would always deliver well before any deadline with a product that was beyond expectations. Brenda has a joyful and upbeat personality and was able to handle whatever was thrown at her. Brenda is always a pleasure to be around and she will be missed.

"Brenda has served her community above and beyond, and we wish her the best in her retirement with her husband and her dog."

During her career, McCabe's dedication to do whatever job was at hand to the best of her ability and her many achievements in special projects earned her nomination and award as Office Professional of the Year in 2013, a recognition made through the Chamber of Commerce.

For that award Police Chief Ken Greenslate said, "Brenda McCabe has a positive spirit that has a contagious effect on the entire department."

In her work for the police department McCabe prepared all reports for the state's attorney and the city attorney assisted the administrative staff, detective bureau and the patrol division with all of their records management. She also entered and maintained other vital records. One of her big, extra undertakings was to digitally store 30 years worth of case files and evidence records.

McCabe was willing to step outside her box too. A couple of years ago when the city clerk office was shorthanded, "Brenda performed all of the payroll, budget projections and accounts payable for the city clerk's office, and for the police department during a two-month period."

Her can do spirit has been a great asset for the city. At the police department her treatment of people enhanced her work space. From co-workers, to bosses, to media and citizen inquiries; she always extended a level of respect and regard to all.

Greenslate said, "Her contribution to the Lincoln Police Department has greatly improved our efficiency while at the same time, improved our work environment. Brenda is a true treasure as both an employee and as a person."

When asked on Monday what she was going to do now, she said what many retirees who have worked hard say, "Nothing." She then went on to say she wanted to do some volunteer work. Her mother, Evelyn Teeney, used to work in the office at Jefferson Christian Church as a volunteer stuffing bulletins and helping out. Her mother passed away about 4 ½ years ago and Brenda thought she might like to go back to doing that. She also mentioned her parents, Wendell and Evelyn, volunteered a lot at the Christian Village and she remembers passing water to the residence when she was just a kid and thought she would do that again. While a great animal lover, she didn’t think she could do the humane society because she would feel so sorry for all the animals.

We at LDN have born witness to this lovely lady's gentle spirit, resourcefulness and thoughtfulness also. And, we all wish her well also. She'll still be shining her light where ever she goes.

[LDN]