HOLLISTER
After 30 years of working for the county and 20 years in the probation department, Mary Covell retired Friday.
“It’s been a long, wonderful journey,” she said Friday morning. “I truly found my calling, and it’s been serving the people of San Benito County.”
Covell, originally hired as a court clerk in 1977, had been a deputy probation officer the past 20 years. He began filling in as interim chief probation officer in January.
County Supervisor Anthony Botelho said Covell’s hard work was appreciated throughout the county.
“We just can’t express our gratitude enough for her dedication,” he said.
Although her 30-year career was ripe with fond memories, Covell said her favorite time was when she was sworn in as a deputy probation officer.
“My favorite was when Judge Breen shook my hand and said congratulations, and they gave me my badge,” she said.
Although Covell said she will miss her job, she has plans to travel with her husband, who retired a few years earlier.
“We are going to point our motor home in one direction and just use the maps to travel America,” she said.
County officials are interviewing finalists for the the chief probation officer.
They hope to find a replacement in the new year. Duane G. Tanner, retired chief probation officer from Monterey County will be filling in during the interim period.
