The Director of the Johnston County Inspections Department has received statewide recognition. Dean Barbour recently received the 2019 NC Plumbing Association Inspector of the Year Award. Barbour was selected for the honor following a vote of his peers in the Association.
“Anything I receive is a reflection of my department and its personnel,” Mr. Barbour said Tuesday in his office. “It’s the best group, especially the support staff, that I’ve ever had. When people come in and have a good experience, it makes them feel good about the County.”
In the interview Barbour preferred to talk about his staff and the excellent customer service they strive to provide rather than his award. “The bottom line is if there is something you don’t like we can talk about it. You could be right. I tell employees at staff meetings put yourself in other people’s shoes.”
Johnston County Manager Rick Hester said, “I am so happy for Dean. He is so deserving of this award. He is an excellent leader, and is always focused on providing the best customer service possible.”
County Commissioner Chairman Ted Godwin agreed. “I think it’s great that Mr. Barbour has been recognized by his peers and professional organization. Recently a Johnston County citizen who has little to no contact with Inspections on a regular basis called me to say they were pleased and surprised by the excellent service render by Dean. He went above and beyond what was expected, according to the citizen. That really didn’t surprise me because I know how conscientious Dean Barbour is.”
Barbour, 61, of Benson has been with the Inspections Department since 1988 and the Director since 2009. He oversees 24 employees.
