Retiring Putnamville employees represent 83 years of service

Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Putnamville District Commander Lt. Dan Jones congratulates three retiring administrative employees who represent 83 years of service to the Indiana State Police. Posing with Jones are (from second left) Gloria Ann Davis, Gerry Lancaster and Susanna E. James.

PUTNAMVILLE -- The Indiana State Police Post at Putnamville has bid farewell to three longtime administrative personnel who served the ISP and the citizens of Indiana for a combined total of 83 years.

The trio officially retired at the close of business Tuesday.

Geraldine ("Gerry") Lancaster, Greencastle, retired after 24 years of service. Mrs. Lancaster began her career at the Putnamville District as a radio operator on April 20, 1987. During her tenure, she held custodial and receptionist positions, prior to her final position as secretary IV.

One specific highlight of her career was moving from the old Putnamville District facility into the new and larger building currently in use. A Putnam County native, she graduated from Greencastle High School. Her retirement plans are to enjoy time with her husband of 53 years, kids and grandkids, as well as gardening and working around their rural Putnam County home.

Gloria Ann Davis, Paragon, is retiring after 22 years. Mrs. Davis began her career on Sept. 1, 1967 in Central Records at ISP General Headquarters in Indianapolis. She discontinued her employment in June 1973 and was then rehired as a radio operator at the Putnamville Post in February 1994. She later transferred to the Laboratory Division at the Putnamville Post in 2005 where she served as evidence clerk until her retirement.

Mrs. Davis received a Meritorious Service Award in 2009 for going "above and beyond her normal duties." A Morgan County native, she is a graduate of the Indianapolis Public School System. In retirement, she plans on spending time with her husband of 42 years, kids and grandkids and doing some gardening.

Susanna E. James, Seelyville, retired after 37 years. Ms. James began her career on March 4, 1974 as a clerk/typist at the former Terre Haute Post. She was later promoted to data input operator and finally to secretary IV, the position she has held for the last 14 years.

Ms. James has received many letters of commendation over the years, including one in 2001 recognizing her as the only secretary IV within the ISP having perfect administrative records. A Vigo County native, she graduated from the former Gerstmeyer High School in Terre Haute. In retirement, she plans to continue with her volunteer work, spend more time with family and friends and traveling.

At a May 26 Putnamville Post meeting attended by all enforcement and civilian personnel in the district, as well as ISP Supt. Paul Whitesell and personnel from various State Police posts, the women were recognized in front of co-workers and family.

Lt. Dan Jones, commander of the Putnamville District, presented each woman with a retirement plaque and certificate in appreciation of their years of hard work and dedication to the State Police.

"These women are most deserving of their retirement and the recognition bestowed upon them. They were an integral part of our daily operations and they will be missed both personally and professionally. We wish them the absolute very best in the years to come," Lt. Jones, praised.

At the conclusion of the meeting, troopers and other civilians celebrated the retirements with a carry-in luncheon and a retirement cake.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: