Washburn Named Forestry Employee of the Year
NASHVILLE — Matthew Washburn is the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s Employee of the Year. The annual award is presented to a Division employee who shows outstanding efforts and accomplishments for a particular year.
“Daily work from employees like Matthew keeps Tennessee’s forestland growing strong,” Agriculture Commissioner Jai Templeton said. “His dedication to our state’s natural resources hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
“Matthew has been a tremendous asset to the Division and the Highland Rim District,” State Forester Jere Jeter said. “He has shown great aptitude in delivering some of the Division’s critical forestry services. The citizens in his area are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual serving them.”
Washburn has served Houston and Humphreys Counties since October 2010. He worked one year as a seasonal wildland firefighter, four years as a Forestry Aide 1, and was promoted to Forestry Aide 2 in May of 2015. His primary duties include wildfire suppression and prevention, and monitoring water quality and best management practices.. Washburn has also taken on the task of training new employees and heading up the District’s seedling collection, sorting and distribution efforts.
“Matthew has accomplished a lot while working with the Division of Forestry,” Forestry Technician Michael Tummins said. “It is evident that he possesses strong characteristics such as leadership and responsibility, and shows pride in his work.”
“I’m very appreciative of those who nominated me and feel fortunate to receive this award,” Washburn stated.
Washburn is from Castile, N.Y., but now calls McEwen, Tenn. home. He enjoys hunting, fishing and fighting fires. Along with six years of wildland fire fighting, Washburn has 17 years’ experience fighting structural fires. We congratulate Matthew Washburn on his achievement and recognize him for his excellence in service to the community and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry.
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