David Mendel, Hank Krajewski, Sean Douglas, Tony Minor of Radio Communication Services

As a result of their heroic efforts, perseverance, dedication, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of King County, Hank Krajewski and Sean Douglas, Radio Communication Services (RCS), OIRM, in addition to William Johnson and Blake Rees, Road Services Division (RSD), DOT, were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation signed by King County Executive Ron Sims and County Chief Information Officer David Martinez.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on January 31, 2008, RCS received information from Rattlesnake Ridge that there was a problem with the radio system at the site. Mr. Krajewski and Mr. Douglas, employees from RCS, went to the top of Rattlesnake Ridge to correct the problem with the radio system. Although they had both worked a full 8 hour shift prior to being called out, their trouble shooting efforts lasted until 11:30 pm that evening. Once they resolved the problem however, they were unable to descend Rattlesnake Ridge due to the heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions. Snoqualmie Pass was also closed at this time due to avalanche concerns.

Upon learning that RCS had a crew trapped in the snow, Jeff Granlund, Supervisor in the Road Services Division of the Department of Transportation, arranged for transport of a grader to Hobart. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Rees took the road grader out to the site at Rattlesnake Ridge to dig Mr. Krajewski and Mr. Douglas out. They were not safely off the mountain until 7:00 a.m. on February 1.

King County is proud of the teamwork displayed by the individuals from Radio Communication Services and Road Services Division, in their recognition of King County's mission critical system.