In a moving memorial during the Fourth of July celebration at Pinole Valley High School, the late Robert Walker Jr. was posthumously honored with the Key to the City of Pinole.
The ceremony, held at the high school stadium just before the evening’s drone show, paid tribute to Walker’s 45 years of dedicated service as a Public Works maintenance worker for the city. It is the longest tenure in city history.
Hundreds of Pinole residents, city staff, and family members helped commemorate Walker’s legacy, including his daughter, Tracy Walker, who was presented the honor on his behalf.
City Manager Kelcey Young invited attendees to rise in a standing ovation.
“Robert reminds us that you don’t have to wear a title or take the stage to make a profound difference,” Mayor Cameron Sasai during the presentation. “Every person — no matter their role — has the power to shape the fabric of a city. And Robert did just that. One day, one task, one act of service at a time.”