Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital honored 32 employees Friday with a cookout in front of the hospital.

Every year, the hospital honors employees who have worked at the hospital for five years, 10 years, 15 years and so on.

The employee with the highest number of years that was honored this year was Diane Williams, who has been at the hospital for 35 years. She works in the dietary department.

Each employee that is honored receives a gift card to a business in the community equal to $5 per year. Williams’ gift card this year was worth $175.

There were 13 employees who have been at the hospital for five years, eight who have worked there for 10 years, four for 15 years, three for 20 years, two for 25 years, one for 30 years and one for 35 years.

Hospital CEO Mike Marshall said it is important to let the employees know their time is appreciated.

“We like to do this every year in some capacity or another,” he said. “We care about our employees, and this is one way to thank them for their service.”