Orange County Employee. Service Awards. JANUARY and FEBRUARY 2015

Orange County Employee Service Awards JANUARY and FEBRUARY 2015 F E B R U A R Y 10 t h 2 0 1 5

Thank You for Your Service Greetings, One of the highlights of my job as Mayor is visiting with our employees, learning more about you and your families, and hearing how much pride you have in serving the citizens of Orange County. You are my heroes and a constant source of inspiration. Our employees are on the front lines interacting with the thousands of citizens, businesses and tourists in Central Florida. Today we are recognizing some of our most dedicated employees those who are celebrating more than 20 years of service to Orange County Government. I m honored to stand alongside you as a public servant. I want to acknowledge and thank you for the outstanding work that you do for Orange County and our citizens. I am proud to serve our community with you, and recognize that your passion and work ethic has a direct impact on our wonderful quality of life and helps to make our region one of the best places in the world to live, learn, work and raise a family. Sincerely, Teresa Jacobs Orange County Mayor ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA MAYOR

Orange County employees recognized for outstanding service and dedication

Michael S. Hom Fleet Management, 20 years Administrative Services Michael was born in Dayton, Ohio, and moved to Central Florida in 1972. He graduated from Colonial High School and studied Auto Mechanics at Mid Florida Tech. He started his career with Orange County in 1995 with Fleet Management as an Alignment/Tire Repair Specialist. He was promoted to Equipment Mechanic II in 1997. In 2003, he was promoted to Equipment Mechanic III. Michael has been married to Louise for 25 years. They have two sons, Casey, 22 and Austin, 15. Michael enjoys camping, hiking, bicycling and the great outdoors. He has also been a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America for the past 14 years. Tony Messires Fleet Management, 40 years Administrative Services Tony was born in Chicago Heights, IL and moved to Central Florida in 1974. He completed several courses at Valencia Community College including Electrical and Automotive A/C. He also attended Mid Florida Tech and Ford Training School. He is a licensed Mechanic I, II, and III and has two Automotive Service Excellence certifications. He started his career with Orange County as a Maintenance Tech in 1975. Tony has more than 25 years of repair work on Orange County Fire Rescue vehicles. He has been married to Karen for 43 years and they have two children, Sarah, 35; Christine, 33; and a granddaughter, Olivia, 4. In his spare time, Tony enjoys classic car shows and road trips. He is also involved with the St. George Greek Orthodox & Good Shepherd Catholic Churches. 4

Robert Ryan Fleet Management, 25 years Administrative Services Robert was born in Stamford, Connecticut and moved to Orlando in 1966. He graduated from Winter Park High School. He studied Machining & Blueprint Reading at Mid Florida Tech and Detention Equipment Technology. He started working for Orange County in 1990 with Facilities Management maintaining and repairing all doors, gates and bay doors for Fire Rescue and Corrections. He transferred to Fleet Management in 2001 as an Automotive Machinist fabricating, designing and duplicating countless parts and equipment for Fleet, Fire Rescue and just about all divisions and departments. Robert has received numerous awards including Employee of the Month, 1994, 1997; Employee of the Quarter, 1997; Corrections Division Team Work Award, 1998; and a Certification of Appreciation from the FBI National Academy. He has been married to Paula for 24 years, and they have three daughters Stephanie, Toni, Donna and nine grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys anything motorcycle related from riding to restoring vintage bikes and spending time with his grandchildren. Tammy Lyn Babbs Fiscal & Operational Support, 25 years Corrections Tammy was born in Waukegan, IL. She attended Oak Ridge High School and Valencia Community College. She majored in data processing and accounting. She has worked in Corrections her entire career with Orange County, most of the time she was assigned to the Uniform Supply section. She is currently assigned to Fiscal Services. She arranges travel for staff and places orders for materials, equipment and supplies for the Department. She is responsible for processing payments for the items that have been ordered or the services that have been rendered such as the security company that covers the perimeter of the jail, the communication lines that would be necessary in case of an emergency, armored car services, and more. She enjoys spending time with her grandson, being with family and friends, attending hockey games and going to Disney. When she retires, she wants to travel. For her 20th wedding anniversary her husband surprised her with a trip to London and Paris! For their 30th anniversary, they would like to go to Australia. 5

Tammi J. Unser Security Operations, 30 years Corrections Tammi was born in Appleton, WI and moved to Central Florida in 1985. She graduated from Winneconne High School, WesleyPassavant School of Nursing in Chicago, University of Wisconsin/ Oshkosh. She also participated in the Corrections Academy, Employee Academy, and the Innovative Command Leadership Academy at Valencia. She was hired in 1985, working in various positions in Inmate Records until she became a Certified Corrections Officer in 1986. She was promoted to Corporal in 1988, Sergeant in 1997, and Lieutenant in 2000. Tammi has received numerous awards including the 1996 Leaper Award, the 1998 Outstanding Service Award, 2004 Distinguished Service Award, Employee of the Month Awards, and many letters of appreciation from outside agencies. Tammi has a son, Steven, 22, who graduated from Flagler College, St. Augustine and works for the Jacksonville Suns as their Stadium Operations Manager. In her spare time, she loves to travel. Roberta K. Smith Community Action, 20 years Family Services Roberta was born in Newbern, TN and moved to Florida in 1980. After one year, volunteering every day at the Marden Meadows Head Start location she was offered a job by John Bridges. She was hired in 1995 at John Bridges Community Center Head Start as a Teacher Assistant. She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. She is currently an Administrative Support Clerk in Community Action. She is known for greeting those who walk into the Community Centers with a warm smile and positive attitude. This helps to make all visitors day a better one even if Orange County can t help them. She assisted in relief efforts when the hurricanes came through Orange County by passing out food and water. She has been married to Charles E. West for 23 years and has three children, Demetris, 39; LaHoma, 33; Tiffany, 29 and four grandchildren Jamaris, De-Nari, Kayvanna, and King. 6

Philip P. Whitby Youth and Family Services, 30 years Family Services Philip was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and moved to Orlando in 1967. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor s degree in Psychology, Go Gators! He also graduated from Rollins College with a Masters in Guidance and Counseling. He is a licensed Mental Health Counselor; Peer Reviewer (Council on Accreditation/ Florida Network), and a certified Disaster Mental Health Counselor. He started with Orange County in 1985 as the Children s Services Supervisor and over the years he has managed community based non-residential child welfare program services. Philip received the 2014 Florida Network Award of Excellence for Agency of the Year. He has been married to Carolyn for 31 years. In his spare time, he enjoys Gator Football, Magic Basketball and is involved in the Orlando Touchdown Club. Stanley Randal Brazell Operations, 25 years Fire Rescue Stanley was born in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He moved to Orlando in 1968. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School. He attended Valencia College, Mid Florida Tech, Lake County Tech and several other schools to complete his Special Operations Technician (Squad and Truck). He was hired in 1990 with Orange County Fire/Rescue as a Firefighter/EMT. He became a Paramedic in 1994 and was assigned to Station 76. He was promoted to Engineer in 2001 and was Squad qualified that year. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2005. He has earned five Unit citations. He was also on the startup crew of the Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4. He was married to the most beautiful and outstanding lady of his dreams for almost 24 years. On November 8, 2012, she passed away from fighting a two year battle with cancer. He has two sons, Nathan who has been working for Orange County Fire/Rescue for three years and Scott who is attending Belmont University in Nashville. He enjoys hiking, fishing, hunting and most anything outdoors. Stanley has attended the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden for the past 20 years. 7

Kimberly B. Stewart-Horan Planning & Technical Services, 25 years Fire Rescue Kimberly is a native Floridian, born in Seminole County. She attended the EMT program at Valencia College and Barry University graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. She is a certified Public Safety Telecommunicator, EMT, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and Emergency Medical Dispatch Quality Assurance. She started her Orange County Career with Animal Control as a clerk. Kimberly has extensive experience as a Fire 911 dispatcher, trainer and supervisor. Kimberly assisted with the design, development and implementation of two computer aided dispatch systems and ProQA (Emergency Medical Priority Dispatch) system. She has the responsibility of leading and coordinating all activities of the Department s 911 Communications Center. She has been married to Daniel, Orange County Firefighter, for 14 years. She has two children, Lindsay, 22 and Gavin, 8. Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family and singing. Danny C. Wambold Operations, 25 years Fire Rescue Danny was born in Hollywood, Florida. He attended Colonial High School, Mid Florida Tech and Valencia Community College. He was an Orange County Fire Rescue Reserve from 1986-1990 and was hired by Fire Rescue in 1990 as a Fire Fighter/EMT. Danny was responsible for setting up the Orange County Fire/Rescue Fire Fighter Memorial that is in front of Headquarters. He also assisted in implementing the TeleStaff Program to ensure that staffing decisions are made fairly and accurately. Danny taught Fire Standards at Mid Florida Tech for six years. He is a relief, rescue, woods truck, tanker, rehab, and ladder truck driver. Danny is a State certified Company Officer and has been assigned to five fire stations Stations 52, 54, 51, 70, and 77. He has been married to Betty for 31 years and they have two sons, Brian, 31 and Bobby, 28. Danny enjoys motorcycle riding, Corvette Car Club, and spending time with his wife. He belongs to Spirit of Joy Church. 8

Pedro J. Del Valle Information Systems & Services, 20 years Office of Accountability Pedro was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and he moved to Central Florida in 1986. He earned an Associate Degree in Science Drafting and Design Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Systems from the University of Central Florida. Pedro was initially hired in 1995 for the Public Works Department as a Traffic Engineer Technician. In 1996, he was promoted to CAD Tech II and was instrumental in introducing new digital sign making technology to the Traffic Department Sign Shop. In 1997, he was promoted to Information Services Specialist. In 2000, as a Quality Assurance Analyst, he worked on custom business applications and a time and attendance system for Public Works. In 2001, he was promoted to Sr. Programmer Analyst for the Information Services and Systems Division and in 2005, he was promoted to Systems Analyst. In 2008, he assisted in a major technology milestone that provided self-service functionality to County employees via MyOCInfo. He has been married to Maria for 27 years and they have two children: Abigail, 16 and Melody, 11. Pedro s hobbies include hiking, biking, kayaking, taking road trips, playing the guitar and bass, reading historical fiction, and tinkering with latest technology. He is also a licensed private pilot. Sandra Dee Cabrera Roads & Drainage, 25 years Public Works Sandra was born in Nelsonville, OH. She moved to Orlando in 1972 and graduated from Colonial High School. Sandra was hired by Orange County Facilities Management in February 1990 as a Janitor for 5 years and has since transferred to Public Works. Currently at Public Works Roads and Drainage, Sandra is a Maintenance Person at the John Young Maintenance Facility. She is certified in maintenance of traffic and defensive driving. Sandra has two children: Rebecca, 33; Tiffany, 31. She also has 7 grandchildren. Her hobbies include puzzles, fishing, camping and going to the beach. 9

Robert Leo Seals Roads & Drainage, 20 years Public Works Robert was born in the Orlando Navy Base. He graduated from Downey Christian School. He is currently attending DeVry University working on a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He started with Orange County in 1995, as a Maintenance Person I in the paving section on the labor crew. In 1998, he was promoted to the major asphalt repair crew as an Equipment Operator III. In 2006, he was promoted to the minor asphalt repair crew as an Equipment Operator IV. On January 5, 2015, he was promoted to Foreman of the minor asphalt repair crew. Robert has been instrumental in raising funds for United Way and Great Oaks Village. He has certifications from OSHA in safety, FEMA in hurricane preparedness, American Traffic Safety Services Association in maintenance of traffic, and Orange County s forklift operator training. In 2012, Robert married Venona. They enjoy their three children Darrell, Tia and Ti johna. In his spare time, he enjoys helping others do their taxes, or being a professional DJ for parties and weddings. He is also very active in his church where he is the head trustee helping manage the maintenance and repairs. He also coordinates with the audio/video department to ensure clarity. John Paul Trento Traffic Engineering, 25 years Public Works John was born in Louisville, Kentucky and moved to Orlando in 1960. After high school, John joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg as a Target Acquisition Specialist for the 82nd Airborne Division. He earned a Bachelor of Business Degree from Orlando College. John started with Orange County in 1990 as a Maintenance Tech with Facilities Management moved up to Sign Fabricator later, transferred in 1997 as a Sign Tech with Public Works. He assisted in the transition from silk screen to digital sign making. He was promoted in 1998 as Sign Shop Foreman and has that position to date. John s certifications include Signs and Markings Level I and II, maintenance of traffic, FEMA incident management courses and various training and management courses. John has been married to Yolanda for 22 years, he also has two daughters Angela and Carla. In his spare time, John enjoys the beach, fishing, working on DIY home projects, and enjoying family and friends. 10

John J. Haak Water Reclamation, 25 years Utilities John was born in Willoughby, Ohio and moved to Central Florida in 1983. He started with Orange County in 1990 as a Maintenance Person II in the Stormwater Management Department. He was hired into the Water Reclamation Division in July 1990 as Wastewater Trainee. He obtained C, B, and A Level Certifications in Wastewater Treatment. He progressively moved through Plant Specialist rankings and was promoted to Senior Operations Specialist in May of 2007. He acted as Utilities Supervisor for several years in the Water Reclamation Division and also started the Central Maintenance Section. He recently transferred to Senior Operations Specialist and is currently responsible for the liquids process operations, construction coordination and term contracts supervision at the South Water Reclamation Facility. He has received numerous awards including 2014 Utilities Department Employee of the Year, the William D. Hatfield Award from the Water Environment Federation, Leroy H. Scott Award from the Florida Water Environment Association, Utilities Department Distinguished Service Award and more! He has been married to Kimberly for 26 years, and they have three children: Lindsey, 28; Cody, 23; Kyle, 20 and two grandchildren: Haylyn, 5; Sydney, 2. John enjoys NASCAR, woodworking and spending time with family. 11

N ORA IDA OR N COU TY, FL GE M AYO R Teresa Jacobs Orange County Mayor S. Scott Boyd District 1 Bryan Nelson District 2 Pete Clarke District 3 Jennifer Thompson District 4 Ted B. Edwards District 5 Victoria P. Siplin District 6 For additional digital copies of this program go to www.ocfl.net.