Federal, state and local government employees in Topeka, Kansas get to ride the Topeka Metro public transit system for free this week in honor of Public Service Recognition Week.

In a recent press release, Susan Duffy, Topeka Metro General Manager, said, “Topeka Metro wants to show our appreciation for dedicated public servants serving Topeka and all of Kansas. This is great opportunity for us to say ’thank you’ to the men and women in public service, many of whom are already loyal Metro riders.”

[PSRW] serves as a welcome reminder to government employees that current public dialogue about examples of occasional wage excesses or the rising cost of pensions does not diminish a grateful public’s high regard for them” – Corey Hurwitz, CEO, Careers in Government

Public Service Recognition Week, has been celebrated the first week of May since 1985. This year, it runs May 5 – May 11. In an article in the Federal Times, President Obama thanks government workers for their service. “In communities across our country, public servants at the federal, state and local levels tirelessly carry out the work of our government,” Obama said. “Diligently serving without the expectation of fanfare, they enforce our laws, teach our children, and lay a strong foundation for our nation’s progress.”

“Given the nature of public service and the fact that its workers have been subject of late to pay cuts, furloughs and layoffs, celebrating their contributions is particularly appropriate and welcome at this time,” according to Corey Hurwitz, CEO of Careers in Government, the leading website for careers in state and local government.

In addition to discounts and free services, notes of thanks or other gestures that show appreciation for the services that government employees provide can also go a long way.

The City of Houston, for example, recognizes public employees with two contests: an essay contest open to local high school students and a poster contest for children and other family members ages 5-18 of city employees.

These contests are aimed at raising awareness of public service jobs and their importance to making the city run smoothly.

And, as Corey Hurwitz says, the timing is right. “Public Service Recognition Week serves as a welcome reminder to government employees that current public dialogue about examples of occasional wage excesses or the rising cost of pensions does not diminish a grateful public’s high regard for them.”