Goochland County honors three employees with HEART of Service Award

Goochland County recognized three employees for work that reaches residents long before their names appear on a plaque. Ashlea Koch, Larry Hicks and Firefighter William Shifflett were honored on June 4 for service that county leaders said reflects the core values behind the HEART of Service Award: Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect and Transparency.

The award was launched after the county announced its employee recognition program on August 25, 2025, and winners are recognized quarterly at Goochland County Board of Supervisors meetings. The county also has opened two ways for residents to help shape the program: the Celebrating Everyday Excellence survey and an employee nomination form. In a county where many public services are judged by how quickly problems are solved and how clearly questions are answered, the recognition program is aimed squarely at day-to-day performance.

Koch, the business manager for Goochland County Public Utilities, was recognized for leadership, customer service and process improvements. That kind of work often shows up in the simplest resident interactions: fewer delays, better communication and a smoother path when utility issues need attention. Hicks, who recently retired as assistant director of Goochland County General Services after 30 years, was honored for the kind of problem-solving that can stop small issues from growing into bigger ones for county facilities and the people who use them.

Shifflett, who serves with Goochland County Fire-Rescue, was recognized for compassionate patient care, operational readiness and transparency. In public safety, those qualities matter both in the field and in the public’s confidence that crews are prepared, professional and clear about what they are doing. County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley said the award highlights employees who go above and beyond in service to the community and said the three recipients set an example through their commitment to serving others and supporting colleagues.

Along with public recognition through social media, press releases, the county website and Board of Supervisors meetings, recipients also receive a plaque and have their names added to a permanent listing outside Human Resources in the County Administration Building. The first HEART of Service Award went to Steven Parrish, a Facilities Technician with the General Services team, who was recognized during the January 6, 2026 Board of Supervisors meeting.