Chelan District foreman retires after serving community 21 years
After more than two decades serving in the Chelan road district, Earl Griffith gets to sleep in when the snow flies in a couple of months.
Griffith, who retires at the end of October, has been with Chelan County Public Works for 21 years. He has served as foreman for the past two years and assistant foreman for three years prior.
“When I think of Earl, the first word that comes to mind is caring,” said Ed Grant, road superintendent for Chelan County Public Works. “He has always cared about his crew and the job; he put his crew above all else.”
Griffith also has led by example, Grant added.
“No matter what the conditions were, he led by example, earned respect from all and tried to leave things better than he found them,” Grant said. “Earl has passed the torch to Bo Watson, who was promoted to foreman, and I believe Bo will continue to keep things rolling smooth like Earl did.”
Born and raised in Manson, Griffith owned a family orchard before selling it in 2005 and looking for a job that would fit him and his skillset.
“I felt like I could operate the machinery that they use here in the county and thought I would enjoy being on the road crew, plowing and serving the public,” Griffith said. “I also didn’t want a desk job.”
Griffith admits he had to think hard about moving from assistant foreman to foreman two years ago. Being a foreman means you’re off the road with the crew. You’re a planner and delegator.
“You don’t get to do the fun things, like running the equipment,” he joked.
But serving as foreman also built his confidence, Griffith said. When you are accountable for a district’s roads and oversee seven crew members, it’s a big responsibility.
“There’s some pressure in being foreman, especially during winter time,” he said. “I would get up early, even on weekends, and check the roads for ice and frost. I took a lot of pride in making sure the roads were safe for the public.”
Passing along a little advice to Watson, Griffith said a good foreman is patient and enthusiastic for the work that needs to be done. The public doesn’t often realize how hard the job can be. So be supportive of your crew and give them credit when credit is due, he added.
Griffith said he will miss interacting with the people at the Public Works the most. He and his wife, Heidi, plan to spend more time at their family cabin in Stehekin and traveling, visiting family in Florida.
What’s he not going to miss?
“Winters,” he said. “I’m not going to miss the snow, or getting up early in the morning.”
Last Updated: 10/26/2026 04:35 PM
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
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The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.
The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.
The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.
The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.