Eric Lambert, the Clean Water Outreach Manager, and Hunter Decker, the Clark County Forester, were recognized in a ceremony in front of the Clark County Council on Tuesday

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Two Clark County employees were officially recognized for their service during a Tuesday presentation by the Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County (NACCC).

For 20 years, the NACCC has presented awards to county employees to recognize their outstanding service and dedication. Tuesday’s presentation, held during the Clark County Council meeting, recognized the 2024 and 2025 Outstanding Clark County Employees in Public Works.

Hunter Decker, Clark County Forester, is the 2024 recipient, and Eric Lambert, Clean Water Outreach Manager, is the 2025 recipient.

The honorees, an NACCC spokesman said, showcase professionalism, expertise, service, and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities of Clark County.

Decker, the NACCCC said, has a reputation as one of the most responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated employees and “his passion for forestry management is evident in everything he does.”

One of Decker’s accomplishments that led to this honor was his proactive approach to reducing wildfire risk in Camp Bonneville, an effort that protects many neighboring communities.

Decker shared that he grew up in Clark County and always wanted to work here, even after going away for college.  

“I didn’t even know you could major in forestry. ‘You can major in that?’” Decker recalled of his college days.

After a few courses, he fell in love and knew it would be his career.

He was a bit overwhelmed by the honor.

“I didn’t think I would get a little emotional,” Decker said. “But I always wanted to give back to this county.”

He said he appreciated the recognition and that his plan was to continue to help the county the best he can.

Lambert is the 2025 employee of the year. Among his accomplishments, he was the point person in charge of organizing more than 100 people who made the dream of a fish mural near Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek a reality. 

Lambert thanked NACCC for the honor, but noted it really is a team award for all Public Works.

“One of the things I like to do most in life … is connecting with the community and engaging with the community,” Lambert said.

Not everyone he works with becomes the public face of a project, though.

“Truth be told, there are dozens of people who I work with every day who I’d put up here in place of me,” Lambert said. “They are there, supporting me, supporting each other from leadership down to make a great team culture here at Public Works.”

More than 60 artists created a masterpiece on 4,000 square feet of a retaining wall near Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek along NE 117th Street. There were dozens more volunteers that made it happen, as well.

“We have thousands of people who drive by that mural and see messages about protecting water every single day,” Lambert said. “That’s a really special thing that will go on to live on.”

Stephan Abramson, the chair of the NACCC, said the awards are important not only to recognize employees, but to remind residents about those who are working to make Clark County a better place.

“It is important for residents to connect names and faces to the people who provide essential services,” Abramson said.