Officer Norma McGuckin

By C. Clark Ballew
STAFF WRITER

Even Norma McGuckin admits that if the voting involved the general public, she most likely would not have been named the Town of Culpeper's Employee of the Year.

"Probably not," she said with a grin. "After all, I am the 'Parking Nazi.'"

Actually, she's just the Parking Control Officer for the town police department, a job she manages to pull off everyday with that trademark smile even though the gig does come with its fair share of drawbacks.

"You ruined my life," said Investigator Lee Rees, mimicking one of McGuckin's many parking violators. "You gave me a $6 ticket everyday this week!"

McGuckin laughs at the investigator, having no doubt heard that line before. It's that happy-go-lucky personality coupled with a dedication to her job that garnered the two and half year member of the force the award last week.

"We use Norma for Spanish-translation, and she always comes in when asked, regardless of the hour," Officer Sara Hall said. "She's very diligent when it comes to her job."

The town employee of the year award is voted upon members from every town office. In receiving the honor for 2003, McGuckin was rewarded with $100, a plaque and one extra paid day off, pending supervisor approval.

"I think I'll get that approval," she said. "And I'll probably use the day to go to my brother's wedding in California in April." As for the $100?

"Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was shoes," McGuckin said with a laugh. "But no, it will be spent on Christmas." Most people around town probably recognize the diminutive McGuckin as the female officer in the light blue uniform that is always carrying the long, metal chalk stick.

But those with the police department and other town offices know her for her fun-loving and engaging personality. McGuckin attributed her award to her fellow officers in the department.

"The guys and girls (in the police department) that nominated me in the first place," she said. "I wouldn't have gotten the award without them."

C. Clark Ballew may be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or cballew@starexponent.com


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