COA Snapshot: The Career of a Lifetime
When Rosemary Robinson was hired by the City of Amarillo, she was hoping to do well enough at her new job with the Amarillo Public Library to survive her probationary period and become an official city employee.
In what might be the biggest understatement of the past 50 years in Amarillo, Robinson accomplished her goal.
Robinson began her career with the City of Amarillo (COA) on Feb. 12, 1973. The McLean native was 21 years old and fresh out of what was then West Texas State University – now West Texas A&M University.
Robinson’s internship with the Amarillo Public Library quickly turned into a position with the Amarillo Police Department in July 1973 – and she has been with APD ever since. According to city records, it is believed that Robinson’s 50 years of service with the city makes her the longest-serving employee in COA history. She has worked under 11 mayors and six police chiefs.
And at 71 years young, Robinson shows no signs of slowing down – much less retirement.
“If I had a dollar for every time I get asked about when I might retire, I would have a lot more money for retirement,” Robinson said with a laugh. “Retirement is not something I think about. Retirement is for when you get burned out or tired. I need to be doing something.”
Robinson’s Type A personality is apparent. She bowls in two leagues and used to play to softball until a few years ago.
“I could not unhitch the wagon anymore for softball,” Robinson said.
Robinson, an administrative specialist with APD, is the unofficial matriarch for APD.
“Rosemary is one of the most beloved people in our department,” said APD Chief of Police Martin Birkenfeld.
Birkenfeld described the hierarchy of the APD thusly: “We have a rank structure at the police department. We have supervisors, sergeants, lieutenants, captains and chiefs. Then we have Rosemary. This is kind of the way things work for us.”
City council honored Robinson with a proclamation for “Rosemary Robinson Day” on Feb. 14.
“When you start with the city you are looking for retirement and insurance. After you get through your probation, 50 years flies by after that,” Robinson said with a laugh. “You never know what might be going on when you come in that morning. It is never the same day twice, and I enjoy that. Sometimes the phone rings off the wall and sometimes it is peace and quiet.
“If you are looking for stability, the city is pretty stable. This is an interesting job. A lot of jobs out there are not.”
The biggest change for Robinson during her historic COA career has been – obviously – technology. She started her job using what was then cutting-edge office equipment – an electric typewriter.
“The change in technology has been amazing,” Robinson said. “Everything used to be on paper. I had to type everything – all the reports, the search warrants.
“A good thing is I don’t have to know shorthand anymore.”
There is a simple key to longevity with the city, according to Robinson. (And who would know better than Robinson?)
“I have had several different bosses,” Robinson said. “This is a great job, and as long as you do your work, there is never an issue.”
For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: COA Snapshot: The Career of a Lifetime
