Toby Black with the Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted in the rescue of a drowning woman.

The Department of Transportation’s Frank Curry and Tony Ybarra led the effort to evaluate the causes of, and solutions to, the catastrophic landslide on State Route 410 between Chinook Pass and Yakima.

The Department of Corrections’ Mike Tupper and Chris Idso spearheaded several cost-saving initiatives that saved DOC and the taxpayers of Washington thousands of dollars.

What do these people have in common? They are all Washington State employees who have been honored with the Extra Mile Award.

The State Productivity Board is asking the public and state workers to nominate public employees who have gone the extra mile.

Each year, the Extra Mile Award is given to individuals or groups of public employees who surpass expectations for exemplary public service by demonstrating at least one of the following attributes:

• Execute an innovative solution.

• Improve efficiency.

• Exhibit visionary thinking.

• Overcome great odds or disadvantages.

• Demonstrate personal valor or bravery.

“Washington has many state employees who go beyond the call of duty in performing their jobs,” said Secretary of State Sam Reed, chair of the State Productivity Board. “This is an excellent opportunity to honor exceptional state employees for the service they provide.”

Nomination forms may are accessible at www.sos.wa.gov/productivityboard/psrw/awards.aspx.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18.

Submit nomination forms by regular mail to: The Productivity Board, P.O. Box 40244, Olympia, WA 98504-0244. Forms also can be submitted via fax at 360-704-7830 or e-mail at: innovate@secstate.wa.gov.

For more information, call 360-704-5203.