By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — OK, so her spouse will have household bragging rights.

Sussex County Council’s Tuesday meeting was somewhat emotional as county government officials formally bid farewell with happy retirement wishes for Robin A. Griffith, the longtime clerk of the County Council who logged more than three decades of service.

“We love you. We are going to miss you,” said County Council President Michael H. Vincent, a Republican from Seaford.

When Mr. Vincent joined the council in 2008, Ms. Griffith was well into her second decade with the county. She served as the clerk of the council through numerous changes in leadership, including political composition and county administrators.

“I’m not sure how you survived all those years,” said current County Administrator Todd Lawson. “It is certainly a recognition of your character and personality.”

“I am going to miss you all,” Ms. Griffith said. “The only thing I would say is I thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years here and all the people I worked with. Thank you.”

Combined, Ms. Griffith and her husband, Lawrence Lank, logged 77-plus years of employment with Sussex County. Mr. Lank, the county’s longtime planning and zoning director, retired in 2016 after 47 years and two months of service with the county.

Dale Dukes, who served on the council for nearly two decades, including several stints as president, remembers Ms. Griffith as an outstanding employee.

“I had been on the council a year or two when we hired Robin,” said Mr. Dukes. “She was a model employee. She heard a lot of stuff going on, but she was closed-mouthed. She never repeated anything she heard. She was an exceptional employee. She served the county well.”

A special tribute read by Mr. Lawson from the County Council commended Ms. Griffith for “devotion, loyalty and excellence in serving Sussex County from Dec. 16, 1991, to Jan. 28, 2022.”

“Thirty years and one month,” Mr. Lawson said. “What a tribute!”

The council’s tribute also offered sincere congratulations with wishes for happiness and good health.

Ms. Griffith’s last official day with Sussex County is Friday, Jan. 28.

“She served the county well,” said Mr. Dukes. “I hope Robin enjoys her retirement, she and Lawrence.”

The clerk of the County Council reins have been passed to Tracy Torbert, who previously was employed in a similar capacity with the city of Seaford.