Character Counts honors those on pandemic’s front line

    The annual Port Washington-Saukville Character Counts celebration will not be held this year, but leaders of the initiative did not let the pandemic stop them from naming Outstanding Character Counts award recipients.
    In fact, those who received this year’s honors were selected because of their response to the Covid-19 health crisis.
    The employees of the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department were chosen for their “tremendous effort to lead our communities during the pandemic,” according to Character Counts leaders. “The department’s leadership helped schools and businesses reopen and navigate new procedures to keep students and customers safe.”
    Also honored were the employees of the Port Washington and Saukville police and fire departments.
    “This year presented unique challenges, and each time the departments have responded exceptionally well,” according to Character Counts leaders.
    This is the 14th anniversary of Character Counts, a joint effort of the Port Washington-Saukville School District, City of Port Washington and Village of Saukville to reinforce through examples and initiatives good character traits, particularly those the program calls its six pillars — trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.