CANTON, New York (WWNY) – For three decades, William Briggs has shown up to work with a smile. Now the state is recognizing him for it.
Briggs scans documents for the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services.
“I try to be positive, stuff like that, and I try to help whoever I can,” said Briggs, an employee of The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence.
The 53-year-old Canton man was told when he was younger he had a learning disability. Those who work with him say he’s one of the hardest workers around.
“He shows up each and every day, he shows up with a smile, and he shows up with a willingness to work,” said Lynn Pietroski, CEO of The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence.
Decades of work through a state partnership
Briggs has worked at the Department of Social Services for five years, through a contract with New York State Industries for the Disabled, known as NYSID. The nonprofit partners with local organizations to create jobs for people with disabilities. Briggs has been with The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence for 30 years.
“It’s almost like family when I’m working here with The Arc,” Briggs said.
Named employee of the year
This year, NYSID named The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence its member agency of the year and let the organization choose an employee of the year. The organization picked Briggs.
Asked how he felt when he found out he was getting the award, Briggs said he felt “happy, proud, that they would pick me for this award.”
“Regardless of a disability, people of all abilities should be afforded the opportunity to be contributing members of their community, and William is an exceptional employee and so well deserving of this award,” Pietroski said.
The award ceremony is happening Wednesday in Schenectady. Briggs is bringing family to celebrate.
Copyright 2026 WWNY. All rights reserved.