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By Charlotte Underwood
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- The Campbell County Commission and County Mayor Jack Lynch recognized several government department heads and their staff at Monday’s regular monthly meeting. Departments recognized included the Campbell County Maintenance, Ambulance service and the department of Veterans Affairs.
The county mayor said these offices were being recognized as part of the “Campbell County First, Service Above Politics initiative.”
“It’s a statement that we are nonpolitical and we treat everyone the same,” Mayor Lynch said.
Campbell County Maintenance Director Tony Hill and his staff were recognized first. Lynch spoke, saying the maintenance department “handled all areas of maintenance of service for the Campbell County Courthouse and all county offices.”
The maintenance department consists of Tony Hill, Katrena Reynolds, Ann Blevins, and Juanita Roldan.
“The Campbell County Maintenance Department helps many of our departments with tasks daily. We thank Tony Hill and his leadership and his employees and for all they do,” Lynch said.
Hill said he could not do it without his employees.
“They go above and beyond. They do it day on and day out. I am lucky, I have a very good staff,” Hill said.
Commissioner Dewayne Baird spoke briefly and thanked Hill for all his work he put in when the county put in the RV park.
“His knowledge with heating and air and electrical it saved us a lot of money,” Baird said.
Next up recognized was the Campbell County Ambulance service Director Bruce Perkins and his staff.
The Campbell County EMS was established in 1973 and has been with the 911 service since that time and is one of five founding members of the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association. Campbell County EMS covers 500 square miles and over 40,000 citizens with 40 employees, running three 24-hour ambulances and one full time air ambulance.”
“The Campbell County EMS helps our citizens at a time when it is most critical in situations and in emergencies. We thank them tonight for their services and for being there to save lives,” Lynch said.
Perkins thanked commissioners for the recognition and said he had a great staff.
“We have some strong employees and some well-seasoned employees. I couldn’t ask for a better staff than what we got,” Perkins said.
Commissioner Rusty Orick said the EMS staff was dedicated.
“You put your heart and soul into it, you do a great job and I appreciate what you do,” Orick said.
Next honored was Campbell County Veteran’s Affairs Director Shane Prater and his staff.
This is Prater’s fourth year in this role. He and his staff work for the Veterans of Campbell County.
“Shane and his staff have helped many Campbell County veterans and their families receive benefits that are owed to them and their families. Campbell County consists of 2,574 veterans.
“We are truly honored to have Shane and his staff and appreciate all they provide for our veterans,” Lynch said.
Prater spoke saying he could not do it without his staff.
“I am just a small part. They are a great team, and I am blessed to be a part of it,” Prater said.
Commissioner Zach Marlow said he felt Campbell County has the best veterans service staff in the whole state.”
Gwen Lobertini was also celebrated for her 20 years of service to the veterans affairs department. Mayor Lynch read a proclamation declaring March 16, 2026, as Gwen Lobertini Day.
Lobertini has worked for Veteran’s Affairs since 2006 and has “served as the heart and soul of the veterans affairs office.”
“Gwen serves with passion and dedication and has done so for 20 years. To see her impact, you only have to look at the people she serves and the positive difference she makes in the lives of individuals. She has helped many veterans from all areas of service fighting for agent orange benefits and thousands of dollars for widows and gaining families much deserved back pay, changing their quality of life. Her work does not stop when she leaves her desk. She uses her lunch hour to buy groceries for veterans, driving them to appointments, visiting homes to those veterans who can’t make it to the office for services.
Her kindness, love and outgoing personality of care has impacted the lives of many veterans and Campbell County citizens. She is so much more than a colleague, she is a friend, a mentor and one of Campbell County’s best assets for its citizens,” Lynch said.
Lobertini said it had been an honor to serve the veterans of the county.
“It has been a tough road at times, you lose a lot of friends, you lose a lot of family, but it has been my pleasure to serve the county,” Lobertini said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/17/2026-6AM)