Many service organizations tend to honor their own at end of the year banquets.

The Dawson County Rotary Club did that last week as they paid tribute to longtime Rotarian Kathy Fuller, who has served as the club’s treasure for the past 10 years.

But as Rotary’s motto states, the club’s focus is service above self.

Each December for the last decade, the club has also honored men and women who serve this community as county and city government workers.

Rotary Club paid special tribute to the county’s employees of the year and the entire city of Dawsonville staff on Dec. 8 during the club’s annual Christmas celebration.

“These are typically employees that work 40 to 50 hours a week, and even more if they’re with the fire or sheriff’s office, to serve this county,” said Rotary Club President Will Wade.

Amy Greene, human resources for the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Dawson County Planning Director David McKee and Chris Morris, a firefighter and training coordinator for Dawson County Emergency Services, received certificates and a monetary gift from the club.

Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner, who is also a longtime Rotarian, described Greene, McKee and Morris as outstanding employees who go above and beyond their official duties for the good of the county and its citizens.

“We had three very deserving recipients of these awards this year. I appreciate Rotary doing this. It means a lot to our employees and to their co-workers,” Tanner said.

Employees with the city were also honored with a collaborative gift.

“This is our token of appreciation, our way to reach back and say thank you,” Wade said.