Willie Carter, Jr. Receives December 2024 Employee of the Month

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to recognize Willie Carter, Jr., Bus Operator for Escambia County Area Transit, as the December 2024 Employee of the Month. The board adopted a proclamation at the Dec. 12 BCC meeting recognizing Carter as the Employee of the Month.

Carter celebrated a career milestone with ECAT earlier this year, reaching 50 years of service on Oct. 12. He was recognized with a longevity award at ECAT's quarterly meeting on Sunday, Oct. 27, and later received a proclamation from the BCC at the Nov. 7 meeting honoring him for 50 years of service.

"I'm very honored to be the Employee of the Month," Carter said. "I've been working here a long time and I love it. I enjoy doing what I'm doing and I'm going to continue working as long as I can. I'm grateful to my supervisors for the recognition and for encouraging me to do my best every day. Every day that I have the opportunity to come to work and be a part of something as special as ECAT is a blessing."

Carter began his career with ECAT in 1974 and, since then, has driven 3,130,400 miles. For 45 consecutive years, Carter has driven 2,817,360 miles without accident or incident, setting a high standard for his commitment to public service and safety. In 2014, he received recognition for his hard work from the National Highway Safety Administration. He has been celebrated by his colleagues for his exceptional work ethic, regularly offering to cover additional shifts or volunteering for overtime. Carter works hard to ensure those who rely on public transportation have a positive experience each time they ride his bus, and his passengers often praise his kindness and dedication to safe driving.

Beyond his work, Carter enjoys playing softball and staying active in his community. He also regularly looks after his elderly neighbors, spending time with them and delivering their prescription medications.

"Mr. Carter exemplifies dedication not only to his job but to his community," Interim Mass Transit Director Thaddeus Davenport said. "He is a shining example of service, reliability and compassion. Mr. Carter cares deeply about the wellbeing of others, and his kind nature has left a positive impact on everyone he encounters. These qualities make him highly deserving to receive the Employee of the Month and we are excited to honor him."

Willie Carter, Jr. was joined by District 3 Commissioner Lumon May, Interim Mass Transit Director Thaddeus Davenport, Information Specialist Angela Walden, and ATU-1395 President Mike Lowery for his Employee of the Month proclamation.