This Public Service Recognition Week, we proudly celebrate more than 713,000 members and 522,000 retirees of the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) for their service to the people of New York State.

Origin of Public Service Recognition Week

This week was created in 1985 to honor those who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. Congress officially designated the first full week of May as Public Service Recognition Week. This year, it is being celebrated May 4 through 10.

NYSLRS Members Deliver Critical Services

Whether they are protecting public health and safety, driving our children to school or clearing snow from the roads, NYSLRS members deliver essential services New Yorkers depend on, and you can find NYSLRS members at all levels of government such as:

• New York State;
• Counties, cities, towns and villages;
• School districts;
• Correctional facilities;
• Public libraries; and
• Fire and water districts.

Many members and retirees also give back to our State by volunteering in their communities or supporting charitable causes. That’s in addition to the other important ways retirees contribute to New York State’s economy.

Comptroller DiNapoli’s Faith in Public Service

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is the administrator of NYSLRS and trustee of the Common Retirement Fund. He began his own public service career at the age of 18, when he won his first election to become a trustee on the Mineola Board of Education. This made him the youngest person in New York State history elected to public office. He is also the second longest-serving Comptroller in New York State history.

Comptroller DiNapoli often speaks about the contributions New York’s public employees make to their communities and their State. He encourages young people to consider a career in public service. “It’s more than a job,” he says. “It’s a career with purpose.”