Celebrating the 2025 SuburbanCares Award Winner and Finalists

At Suburban Propane, community involvement and service are not just values, they’re part of who we are. Each year, the SuburbanCares Award honors employees who go above and beyond to serve both our company and the communities we’re proud to call home.

We’re excited to recognize our 2025 SuburbanCares Award Winner and four remarkable finalists whose actions reflect compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others.

Winner: Tammy Lane (Columbus, MS)

Tammy Lane has been a cornerstone of the Suburban Propane family since 1997, and in 2025, we’re proud to recognize her as this year’s SuburbanCares Award Winner. Her professional dedication shines through in her willingness to step up wherever needed—recently taking on additional responsibilities to support training and operations at Customer Service Centers in Canton and Tupelo, MS.

But Tammy’s contributions extend well beyond her role. She’s a volunteer firefighter with the Millport, AL Volunteer Fire Department, participates in the annual 9/11 memorial stair climb to honor fallen firefighters, and supports Probst United Methodist Church and the Matt Miller Food Pantry. Her selflessness, compassion, and tireless service make her a true embodiment of what the SuburbanCares Award stands for.

Finalist: Tabitha LaBarge (Morrisville, VT)

Tabitha LaBarge’s passion for helping others was sparked by the support her family received during a time of loss. Since 2005, she has responded to more than 100 calls supporting children and domestic violence victims in her community. Recently, she coordinated the donation of a gas grill for Jenna’s Promise, raising funds to support recovery programs. Her compassion, initiative, and hands-on involvement highlight her unwavering dedication to making a difference.

Finalist: Greg Sherman (Harrisburg East, PA)

While on his delivery route, Greg Sherman noticed a man in distress, an instinct born from his experience as a volunteer firefighter. He quickly stopped, and stayed with the individual until emergency services arrived. Greg later returned to check on him, demonstrating not only compassion but true follow-through and care. His act of quiet heroism, revealed only through a thank-you letter, is a powerful reminder of the everyday impact one person can have.

Finalist: Kim Klement (Silver City, NM)

Whether serving on the Silver City Board of Education, designing custom T-shirts for youth teams, or setting up for school events, Kim Klement is always there for her community. She wears many hats—mentor, organizer, advocate—and pours her heart into everything she does. Her leadership on various education committees and consistent support for youth programs make her a pillar of the Silver City community and a true role model.

Finalist: Karen Thomas (Whippany, NJ)

For over 26 years, Karen Thomas has served the Highland Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, now as Assistant Chief. She responds to more than 200 calls a year, leads emergency operations, and mentors fellow firefighters—all while managing the responsibilities of her role at Suburban Propane. Her deep commitment to training, safety, and service exemplifies a lifelong dedication to protecting and uplifting others.

Honoring the Heart of SuburbanCares

Each of these outstanding individuals reflects the true spirit of SuburbanCares—where service, empathy, and action come together to make a difference. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting local schools, or simply showing up when others need it most, they remind us what it means to care deeply and serve generously.

Please join us in congratulating Tammy Lane and our four inspiring finalists for their extraordinary contributions to their communities and to Suburban Propane.