PC Patrol Dave Thompson and GM Bill Barnard
Traci Baker, Director, Community Activities and Communications
At the HOA board meeting on Feb. 19, a long-time member of the patrol staff, Dave Thompson, was recognized by the HOA board and General Manager Bill Barnard as Employee of the Month. One of his colleagues nominated Dave and submitted it to Director of Community Services John Singleton for consideration. John agreed and asked the board to consider Dave for this honor.
When John Singleton asked Dave to attend the board meeting in February, Dave had no idea why, but just like always, Dave stepped up and did what was needed. So, the surprise on his face was absolutely priceless when his name was announced, not to mention the delight when he realized his wife Donna and their daughter were there as an added surprise! Just some of the reasons he was selected are included in this summary below, taken directly from the nomination.
“Dave Thompson has been a member of the PebbleCreek Patrol since October 2008. You may have seen him patrolling during any shift. Always with a smile and wave as he patrols our over 70 miles of roads, towing golf carts, jump starting vehicles, or doing one of many of patrol’s duties. Dave is always willing to work any shift to help out when one of his fellow patrol is sick, has an emergency, or just needs a vacation. Over several years he has trained many of the new patrol members, picked up roadkill, rescued many lost animals, helped guests and homeowners find their homes, worked weddings and retirement celebrations, just to name a few. He always says, ‘If no one else will help, I will.’ As an example, during DesertFest we needed a lot of extra patrol for traffic control. Dave and a couple others worked their regular shifts then directed traffic making for a long 11-plus hour day. That is dedication to the community. It is because of his work ethic, honesty, and dedicated willingness to do everything he is ask [sic] to do, and always looking for a better way to serve our community along with his love for his job, I nominate Dave Thompson as employee of the month.”
Dave was born in Knoxville, TN. He joined the Army. After returning to Fort Lewis, WA from Vietnam in 1968, he met Donna. They have been married for 51 years. They have a daughter who lives with her family in nearby Buckeye. Dave loves fishing, hunting, and golf. Donna and Dave were in the sports brokerage business where he sold equipment, guns, outdoor equipment for companies like Berkley Fishing. Dave traveled to many states selling his goods. He graduated from ISU in 1972 and taught history for a short time before returning to Washington state. Fun fact: Dave holds a fourth degree black belt in tae kwon do!
Next time you see Dave, congratulate him on this fantastic and well-deserved achievement!