Service, professionalism earn recognition for city's workers

SIKESTON - Numerous employees were recognized for their contributions to Sikeston during the City's Annual Employee Appreciation Dinner Dec. 11.

Among those honored were this year's 19 new employees, including 15 from Public Safety, three from Public Works and one from Economic Development.

Mayor Mike Marshall presented service pins to employees completing 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25-years of employment with the city. In total 17 employees were recognized with Public Works Director Tom Bridger, Public Safety Lt. Dennis Irwin and Public Safety Sergeant Shirley Porter receiving 20-year service pins. City Treasurer Karen Bailey was honored for 25 years of service.

Special recognition was given to the City's Employees of the Year.

Councilman Phil Boyer presented the Governmental Services Employee of the Year Award to city hall receptionist Theresa McNew. This award recognizes clerical and support employees providing distinguished service during 2004. Nominees for this year's award included Public Safety communications officers Jamie Crow and Tommie Jean Staggs.

Each quarter, the City recognizes outstanding employees within the Departments of Public Works and Public Safety. Candidates for this quarterly award must excel at their assigned duties, be self-motivated and exhibit professionalism with a positive attitude. From this group, one employee from each of the two departments is named the Employee of the Year.

Councilman Michael Harris introduced the candidates for the 2004 Public Works Employee of the Year Award. They were Bill Nance from the Parks Division, Randy Gaines and Richard Bramlett from the Street Division, and Collin Cecil from Code Enforcement. Harris presented the 2004 Public Works Employee of the Year Award to Bramlett, a three-year veteran with the city.

Mayor Pro Tem David Teachout presented the 2004 Public Safety Employee of the Year Award to Field Training Officer Cliff Jackson. Also recognized were the quarterly honorees Field Training Officer Andrew Caton, Public Safety Officer Jon Broom and Field Training Officer Pat Burns.

The Administrative/Supervisory Employee of the Year Award recognizes the year's outstanding administrative or supervisory employee. This individual can be from any of the city's five departments.

Councilman Jerry Pullen recognized the award's nominees, Community Resource Coordinator Trey Hardy and Public Works Administrative Assistant Amy Smith. The 2004 Administrative/Supervisory Employee of the Year Award was presented to Public Safety Captain Mark Crocker, who has served with DPS since 2001.