Sometimes local government employees get a bad rap. The stereotypers will tell you we’re lazy, slow moving and unresponsive, coasting along in our cushy jobs, coming in late, leaving early and spending your tax dollars willy nilly.

Well, I’m here to tell you, that ain’t the case.

The government employees I know work their tails off, care deeply about helping people, take more than their fair share of guff and do it quite often with cheery smiles on their faces. Many of them are authentically brilliant. Most are every bit as conscientious as those of us who worked the majority of our careers in the private sector.

That is definitely true of the 33 Kane County employees who were honored at Tuesday’s Kane County Board meeting for 20 years of service.

What did they get for those 20 years? A pin and a piece of cake, possibly a glass of punch, in a short reception after the meeting. Most didn’t attend, frankly, because they had work to do.

On Thursday, some of the 33 folks whose names are listed below will be at the Kane County Cougars game — which they will pay for themselves, by the way — where their names may or may not be called out on the PA before the game. I’ve been told that KDOT Director Carl Schoedel might be throwing out the honorary first pitch.

It’s Professional Wrestling Night at Northwestern Medicine Field on Thursday, featuring an appearance by Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and tickets are on sale now at kccougars.com or by calling the box office at 630-232-8811.

So, if you happen to be at the game and know any of these folks, take a minute to stop by, say thank you and let them know you appreciate their service to the community. They do a lot of great work, every day, to try to make our lives a little better.

Photo Gallery of 20-Year Employees’ Celebration