Animal service technician chosen as Whitfield County’s Employee of the Month for January

Published 12:06 am Sunday, March 31, 2019

Animals down on their luck definitely have an ally in Kevin Tankersley, an animal service technician with the Whitfield County Animal Shelter.

Tankersley has been with the Animal Shelter for one-and-a-half years and has quickly earned the respect of his coworkers, including Tammy Cantrell, who nominated him as Whitfield County’s Employee of the Month for January.

“Kevin is an asset to the Animal Shelter,” Cantrell said on her nomination. “He consistently pursues the department’s professional development and regularly takes on responsibilities for areas beyond his basic duties. Kevin looks for creative solutions around difficult obstacles. His attitude exceeds with the public and his coworkers, and he has a warm rapport with everyone he comes in contact with. His upbeat attitude is an asset to the shelter.”

Tankersley has helped citizens and “rescues” on his own time for the benefit of the animals, and also takes it upon himself to administer the social media page for the shelter, Cantrell said, noting that he consistently anticipates the needs of the community, keeping them informed of solutions and ideas to help with pet overpopulation, vaccinations and the general welfare of the community’s pets. “Kevin keeps the community and rescues introduced to cost-saving measures when and where available,” she said.

Cantrell praised Tankersley for his creative thinking, saying “he has the skill to develop videos, informative ads and insightful public announcements that help promote the department in a positive manner.”

She also praised Tankersley for his reliability, noting that he is “extremely dependable and responsible on the job.”

“Kevin’s accomplishments are seen in his judgment and decision-making skills,” Cantrell said. “He consistently displays sound judgment when deciding among multiple alternatives. He remains impartial and objective and evaluates the facts, and he doesn’t allow his emotions to cloud his decisions. Kevin always puts the animal and the owner first when hard decisions are having to be made.”

To give local residents insight into his personality and family, Tankersley filled out the questionnaire below.

Where I went to high school: I graduated with honors from Murray County High School in 2006.

My role as a county employee: My role includes networking animals and cleaning kennels. Often I will get the animals out and socialize many with the public and rescues. I recently started working on the Animal Shelter website and take countless photos and videos to display on our site and to rescues. Prior to Whitfield County I worked for another county and by my experience I can honestly say that I have not seen such an awarding feeling and outcome like I have in Whitfield County. To be a part of that is an overwhelming accomplishment.

What keeps my job interesting: No day is the same. We work hard to find owners, adopters and/or rescues for all the animals that come into our shelter from the very first day. I particularly love seeing dogs that come in from bad situations and seeing how their personality changes by the time they leave. We strive to make sure that every animal feels wanted and loved.

What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: Like stated above. My job can be tough, but countless hours are spent on the welfare of each animal. Many come from various situations and just seeing how their demeanor changes from the time they come in to when they leave.

The most important thing I’ve done on the job: To me the most important thing that I have been a part of is networking and seeing as many animals as we can be reunited with their family, adopted or rescued. It’s an overwhelming feeling, and together we are making a difference in Whitfield County.

Where I grew up: Murray County.

Family: Wife Lisa, daughter Evelyn, dogs Barney and Paige.

After work, I enjoy: I’ve recently started enjoying old reruns of “Unsolved Mysteries” and I enjoy anything with pro wrestling.

Community activities: I teach a DDP Yoga class twice a week at the John H. Davis Recreation Center, and I am the youth pastor at Concord Baptist Church in Cohutta.

Favorite TV show: “Three’s Company.”

Favorite sport/sport team: Florida Gators.

Favorite meal: Pizza.

Favorite song: “The Comeback” by Danny Gokey.

Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Five Guys.

Favorite Whitfield County event: Dalton Red Carpet Half Marathon.

You can pick four people to have dinner with (anyone from any time in history), who are your four people and why? My Mammaw Parks. She passed away in 2011 and to this day it has been one of the toughest losses I have ever gone through. Just to sit and chat with her one more time would be a dream come true.

The Apostle Paul. Many Christians would probably say Jesus, and how I would definitely enjoy that as well, one person that really comes to mind is Paul and the bravery that he showed as he shared the Gospel with the world. He was a persecutor of Christians and became one of the most influential people in the Bible apart from Jesus Christ. Just to discuss his trials and faith would be very encouraging.

The Rev. Billy Graham. If one person I have never met had a huge influence on me it would be Billy Graham. When he passed away I was speechless, but like he said one time, “The time that you read that Billy Graham is dead, you’ll know that I’m more alive than I ever was before.” He never steered away from his faith, and he never failed to share the Gospel. I would love just to compare stories and hear of his experiences in his life.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A man I feel was taken too soon. Although he knew what he was doing was dangerous in his era, it never affected his purpose. His perseverance and dedication is something to be admired.

I’m most proud of: Being a dad. Going home each day to spend time with my daughter is a love I just can’t explain. She was born at a time that the loss of my grandmother was still very new. We even named her after my grandmother, and I honestly believe that God put her in my life as a sign that she is still watching over me.

Cats or dogs? Dogs.

Cake or pie? Cake.

Favorite car? My old 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. I traveled everywhere in that car. We share many memories like the time she died on me in New York (transmission blew) and I was stranded for a week. I learned one valuable lesson there: Don’t lie to your parents and tell them you’re getting a rental car instead. LOL.

Host or be hosted? Host.

Early riser or sleep-in: Sleep-in.

Favorite vacation ever: Disney World.

Best teacher you ever had: Miss Maret.

Pet peeve: People who constantly make excuses.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: You won’t please everyone, and you won’t be liked by everyone, but to always treat each other with respect and how you’d like to be treated.