John Ramey earns MESO’s Ray Duffy Personal Service Award
In his final days of public service, Okeene’s Town Administrator, John Ramey, was presented with the well-deserved Ray Duffy Personal Service Award at the 2015 MESO Public Power Conference.
“John Ramey is a living example of the ideals that are required of individuals who are committed to public service and their communities.” said MESO Board President, Dean Sherrick.
Ramey began his public service more than 44 years ago as a firefighter for the City of Tonkawa in 1970. In 1975, he was appointed as Tonkawa’s Fire Chief making him the youngest fire chief in Oklahoma. In that capacity, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma State Fire Chief’s Association and served as president in 1980. Following a line of duty injury, Ramey moved from the Tonkawa Fire Department to the City Clerk’s office in 1985. That same year, he was recognized by the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce with their “Outstanding Service Award.”
In May, 1986, Ramey was appointed Clerk/Treasurer for Tonkawa. In 1996, he was awarded the “Certified Municipal Clerk” (CMC) designation from the International Municipal Clerks Institute. During his tenure as Clerk/Treasurer, Ramey served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Municipal Clerks, Treasurers & Finance Officials Association, serving as president from 1991-1993.
During his tenure as Fire Chief and City Clerk, Ramey served as Tonkawa’s interim City Manager four times. In February, 2001, he was appointed as the City Manager. Under his leadership, Tonkawa consolidated service departments into the Public Works Department. This consolidation led to quick and effective response to the massive 2002 ice storm. Working together the units of the Public Works department had electricity restored within three days and then assisted surrounding communities in their recovery. Ramey was recognized by the Chamber as Tonkawa’s “Citizen of the Year” in 2002.
After thirty-six years with Tonkawa, Ramey retired in April 2007 only to be hired by the Town of Okeene as Town Administrator in May 2007.
Ramey has been actively involved in promoting and improving Public Power in Oklahoma. He has served on the OMPA Energy Services Committee, Competitive Utility Program Oversight Committee, and serves on OMPA’s Board of Directors. Additionally, he serves on the MESO Board of Directors.
In 2011, Ramey received national recognition from the American Public Power Association when he was honored with the “Larry Hobart 7 Hats Award” for his expertise in Accounting, Administration, Community Leadership, Field Supervision, Human Resources, Planning & Design, and Public Relations.
“John’s commitment to Public Power, the betterment of the communities he has served, and a desire to leave things better than when he arrived distinguish him as a champion of municipal government and local control,” Sherrick said. “He is a shining example of the very best in local government.”
About Municipal Electric Services of Oklahoma (MESO): The Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma (MESO) is the state association of municipally owned electric utilities providing electric service to more than 400,000 residents in 63 communities across Oklahoma. MESO serves members by facilitating mutual aid efforts; advancing education and advocacy; and, delivering training and development programs. Members also have the benefit of an affiliated alcohol and drug testing service.
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