San Luis Obispo County honors parks operations coordinator Glenn Simpson after 36 years

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution recognizing Glenn Simpson for 36 years of service with the county parks and recreation program, praising his field experience, rescue work and recent role managing FEMA disaster-recovery reimbursements.

The resolution, read aloud at the start of the meeting, says Simpson began with the county as a park ranger in March 1990 and advanced through the ranger series to his current role as park operations coordinator in January 2024. It cites Simpson’s involvement shepherding federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements after recent storm damage and notes a 2015 Lopez Lake rescue for which the board previously commended him.

“Call it an intrinsic reward for making sunrises, sunsets, wonder, excitement, challenge and adventure a career choice,” Simpson said in brief remarks reflecting on his career. He described varied assignments — including time with the California Conservation Corps, service as a national park ranger, and work with the Grover Beach Fire Department — and told the board he looks forward to retirement activities such as spending time with family, tending a wooded property and sailing. “I sprinkle you all with 36 years of professionally gathered parks, recreation, and open space pixie dust as I raise my full cup and bid you all happy trails,” he said.

Sean Cooper, assistant director for county parks, thanked Simpson “on behalf of our director, Tanya Richardson, myself, and the whole parks and recreation team,” and highlighted Simpson’s reliability and institutional knowledge, as well as the Lopez Lake incident the resolution references. “For nearly four decades, Glenn has shown unwavering commitment and professionalism in serving our community,” Cooper said.

Several supervisors added brief remarks. Supervisor Gibson thanked Simpson for his years of service and wished him well on his future adventures, calling Simpson’s comments poetic. Supervisor Pechon said the county’s residents are “better off because you were in the job,” and Supervisor Moreno and Supervisor Orsies Lake also expressed appreciation for his long service and talents.

The transcript records no formal vote on the item in the excerpt provided; the presentation concluded with board remarks and best wishes for Simpson’s retirement.