Clay Micheau with the Department of Labor & Industries helped a homeowner prevent an electrical fire from spreading during a routine home inspection.

The Department of Transportation’s Olympic Region snowplow operators volunteered their time to assist the Spokane County Public Works Department to keep citizens safe and communities open during a historic month-long snowfall.

Steven Martin with the Department of Natural Resources implemented the cannibalization of replaced chainsaws instead of disposing of them.

What do these people have in common? All are Washington state employees who have been honored with the Extra Mile Award.

The State Productivity Board is asking the public and state workers to nominate public employees who have gone the extra mile.

Each year, the Extra Mile Award is given to individuals or groups of public employees who surpass expectations for exemplary public service by demonstrating at least one of the following attributes:

Create an innovative solution to a problem or challenge.

Improve efficiency.

Exhibit visionary thinking.

Overcome great odds or disadvantages.

Demonstrate personal valor.

“Washington has many state employees who go beyond the call of duty in performing their jobs,” said Secretary of State Sam Reed, Chair of the State Productivity Board. “This is an excellent opportunity to honor exceptional state employees for the service they provide.”

The awards will be given out as a part of Public Service Recognition Week, a nationally celebrated event that takes place during the first week in May around the country.

Nomination forms may be downloaded at www.secstate.wa.gov/productivityboard/. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010.

Submit nomination forms by regular mail to: The Productivity Board, PO Box 40244, Olympia, WA 98504-0244. Forms can also be submitted via fax at (360) 704-7830 or email at: innovate@secstate.wa.gov. For more information, call (360) 704-5203.