Garoutte named Driver of the Year

Amanda Garoutte of Sundance was awarded Driver of the Year for 2021 last Wednesday at Wyoming Public Transit Association’s yearly conference. Jenny Perry of Hulett also received a nomination for Volunteer of the Year.   

The Driver of the Year is chosen for always seeming go above and beyond their job description. This winner exemplifies outstanding customer service, has a positive attitude, excellent attendance and a professional appearance. 

“Amanda has been an amazing addition to our Crook County Senior Services family. We call her our Carebear,” said Crook County Senior Services Director Jenna Ellsbury in a letter nominating Garoutte.

Garoutte is the Transportation Manager Driver and has been employed at Crook County Senior Services since May 2020. 

“She provides individual attention by assisting with walking and with doors to the very front counter or store front. She has also lovingly assisted with activities after arrival like pushing shopping carts and navigation of large stores. She is quick to offer a smile, a warm conversation, and a helping hand.”

Garoutte has made accommodations to leave extremely early or stay out late to ensure clients can make their doctor appointments or medical procedures, has assisted clients when they arrive home, has helped clean homes and even set up a guest bed, according to Ellsbury.

“In addition to the items in the letter, she played a pivotal role in helping provide Crook County Veterans free medical transportation,” Ellsbury says.

In her letter, she also mentions an incident in which Garoutte helped a senior get a copy of her birth certificate, “A daunting task because this induvial did not know the name of the town she was born in or much of the pertinent information.”

“Amanda has gone above and beyond the job description of driver in countless ways. Her flexibility and positive attitude helped stir excitement to help our seniors the best way possible,” Ellsbury stated in her nomination letter.

Crook County Senior Services provides public transportation for all residents of Crook County. To make use of the public transportation or find out more, call the office at 307-283-1711.