Employee Service Awards November 3, 2009 Board of County Commissioner’s Employee Service Awards Today’s honorees are recognized for outstanding service.

Employee Service AwardsEmployee Service AwardsNovember 3, 2009November 3, 2009

Board of County Board of County Commissioner’s Commissioner’s

Employee Service Employee Service AwardsAwards

Today’s honorees are recognized for Today’s honorees are recognized for outstanding service and dedicationoutstanding service and dedication

County County AdministrationAdministrationCommunicationsCommunications

• Benji was born in Trinidad, West Indies and moved to Florida in 1988.

Guariemas Benjamin 20 Years

• He graduated from New York University with a degree in Computer Technology and he attended the New York School of Printing.

• Benji was hired by Orange County in 1989 as a Traffic Technician I at Traffic Engineering.

• He was promoted to Traffic Tech II in 1992.

Guariemas Benjamin – 20 Years• Benji has completed the Orange County Supervisory

Development Program.• He takes great pride in the work that he does for all

Orange County Departments. That includes printing, collating and binding brochures, flyers, booklets, reports and forms.

• Benji has been married to Annie for 38 years and they have four children: Sergio, Beverly, Fatisha and Joshua.

• In his spare time, Benji enjoys working out and golfing.

• He also volunteers his media skills at his church. *

CorrectionsCorrections

Security OperationsSecurity Operations

• Deborah was born at the Naval Training Center Hospital here in Orlando and moved around with her family until settling down in Orlando in 1965.

Deborah Yvette Harvey20 Years

• She is a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and Valencia Community College.

• Deborah has also earned licenses as: a barber, cosmetologist, licensed practical nurse, massage therapist and nutritionist.

Deborah Harvey - 20 Years• Deborah was hired by Orange County in 1989 as a

Correctional Officer and Licensed Practical Nurse to work in the Medical Department.

• In 1993, she became a Field Training Officer and was promoted to Corporal in 1996.

• She made Sergeant in August, 2000 and became a Crisis Intervention Team Officer in 2002.

• Deborah has worked at nearly all Corrections facilities and she is currently an Inspector at Logistics.

• She has been married to James for 7 years and 3 months.• Deborah has five children: Jeffrey, Terrance, Antonio,

Stephen and Arieana.• In her spare time, Deborah loves to learn new things and

help others. *

• John was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Florida in 1989.

• He was hired that year by Orange County to work at Central Booking.

John Nicholas Costello Jr.20 Years

• In 2006, John transferred to the new Booking and Release Center and became a trainer for new staff.

• Three years later, he transferred to the Emergency Management Section at Corrections.

John Costello - 20 Years• John has completed numerous FEMA courses. He is a

certified SCUBA Diver and a licensed HAM radio operator.• He received an award for his work with the 150th

Corrections Anniversary Program and historical display.• John has been recognized for his timely response to

prevent two suicides and for sounding the alert regarding a potential inmate escape.

• He will celebrate 20 years of marriage to Geri next February. She works in Inmate Records.

• In his spare time, John enjoys assembling living history and educational displays and he is very involved with experimental archaeology pertaining to Ancient Rome. *

CorrectionsCorrections

Professional ServicesProfessional Services

• Sandra was born in Manhattan, NYC and moved to Florida in 1979.

• She graduated from Walton High School and Faith Christian University with a degree in Theology.

Sandra Ambrose Jennings – 20 Years

• Sandra was hired by Orange County in 1989 to work at the Dockets Division, which is now Inmate Record Management. Within three years she was promoted to Correctional Release Specialist.

• Sandra was later promoted to Special Release Officer where she works with other law enforcement agencies.

Sandra Jennings - 20 Years• Sandra reviews arrest paperwork, notary entries,

official documents and jail track computer system entries.

• She is married to Darrel has one son: Gilbert.• Her hobbies include: traveling, sightseeing,

visiting historical locations, reading and cooking.• In her spare time, she provides voluntary

counseling through the Jail Ministry Program to women in the Female Detention Facility. *

• Mary was born in Quincy, FL, and moved to Orlando in 1967, the day after she was married.

• She was hired in 1978 with the CETA Program as a Clerk-Typist.

Mary A. McMillan- 30 Years

• In 1980, Mary was promoted to a regular full-time position as an Administrative Aide II.

Mary McMillan - 30 Years

• Mary has earned several promotions: Clerk Typist III, Docket’s Clerk II, Correctional Service Officer, Docket Specialist and Correctional Release Specialist.

• In 2005, she transferred to the Court Team.• Mary was married to Elijah for 35 years before he

passed away on June 27, 2002.• She has three children: Tammy, Brian and

Elijah II.• Mary’s hobbies include: Sewing, church work and

being entertained by her grandchildren. *

Family ServicesFamily Services

Head StartHead Start

• Gail was born in New York City and attended the Art and Design High School there.

• She graduated from Bronx Community College and New York State University.

• In 1977, Gail boarded a train and headed for Orlando to make it her home.

Gail Einson Davis - 20 Years

• The County hired Gail in 1989 as a Senior Teacher for the Enhanced Head Start Program. It served as a model for what the traditional Head Start Program aspired to be.

• Gail was responsible for coordinating all special events and field trips for the students and she attended several live performances of the Orlando Civic Theater.

Gail Davis – 20 Years• She also developed a partnership with Walt Disney World’s

International Student Program that provided Head Start with several multicultural festival and events.

• Gail was promoted to Resource Teacher in 1996 and was awarded “Teacher of the Year”.

• In 2008, she returned to the classroom at the Oak Ridge YMCA Head Start where she serves today.

• Gail was recognized at the Mayor’s Coffee in 2009 for her outstanding service and dedication.

• She is the proud parent of a daughter: Shannon, 24, who is a former Head Start student and now attends the University of South Florida.

• Gail enjoys the theatre, museums and galleries and she is a big fan of “American Idol.” She volunteers her time for Harbor House, the American Heart Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. *

Family ServicesFamily Services

Youth & Family ServicesYouth & Family Services

• Rochelle was born and raised in Richmond Heights, and moved to Sumter, SC when she was 16 to live with her grandmother.

Rochelle Prioleau Tompkins 20 Years

• She graduated from Maywood HS and received certification as a Home Health Aide from Sumter Area Technical College, an Associates of Science Nursing Degree from Southern Technical College and she is currently attending Herzing University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Rochelle Tompkins – 20 Years• Rochelle worked for two years at the Sumter County Health

Department with the Home Health Aid Agency.• She moved to Orlando in 1988 and was hired by Orange

County in 1989 to work with the Head Start Program, where she worked for ten years.

• In 1999, she was promoted to Caseworker Aide with Health & Family Services with the Independent Living Program at Laurel Hill.

• In 2003, Rochelle transferred to the Orange County Youth Shelter and in 2009, she moved back to Laurel Hill.

• She is married to Emmett and they have a daughter: Dominique, 25; a son, Emmett, 4 and a grandson: Bralyn, who is 4 months old.

Rochelle Tompkins – 20 Years

• Rochelle enjoys swimming, bike-riding, roller skating, golfing, playing basketball, football and watching a good movie. She is an active member of The Temple of Faith.

• She is the President of the Board of Directors of Toni’s Touch Inc., a program geared to early education for children that focuses on language and literacy.

• Rochelle also fills in as a substitute teacher at the Nap Ford Community School Extended Day Program. *

Family ServicesFamily Services

Community ActionCommunity Action

• Nora was born in Jasper, FL, graduated from Hamilton County High School and moved to Orlando in 1973.

Nora Mae McGill 20 Years

• She joined Orange County in 1989 at Facilities Management and in 2001, she was promoted and moved to Community Action.

• Nora has received numerous awards from organizations, including: the Boy Scouts of America; Center of Hope Ministries; Abundant Life Ministries; and the Central Florida Office of the US Department of the Treasury.

Nora McGill – 20 Years

• Nora has participated in many back to school fairs at the East Orange Community Center, Thanksgiving food drives and health fairs.

• She has received personal enrichment from helping family and friends of the Community Action Division.

• Nora is married to Jerome and they have one son: Antonio.*

Fire RescueFire Rescue

OperationsOperations

• Bill was born at Winter Park Memorial Hospital and lived in Deltona until 1986.

William A. Dike 25 Years

• He graduated from Lake Howell High School.• Bill was hired by Orange County Fire Rescue in 1984

to work at Station 53.• He later moved to the HazMat team at Station 51.• Bill completed all of the officer required classes

during his first year with Orange County.• He was promoted in 1988 and transferred to Tanker

73.

William Dike – 25 Years• Bill has served on Engine 70, Truck 51, Engine 41 and he is

currently assigned to Engine 29.• He is a certified Peer Fitness Trainer and holds a special

certification as a Specialty Contractor in Construction.• Bill has assisted with a Risk Analysis for accreditation, pre-fire

plans, the Wellness Program, the Paramedic Physical Ability Test and IPAT and CPAT testing.

• He has been married to Jama for 20 years and they have two daughters: Hannah, and Emily.

• Bill’s hobbies include: Fishing, motorcycle building and riding.• He built more than 70% of his home himself along with five

Habitat for Humanity homes in Volusia County.• Bill volunteers at his church and even drives the church bus.*

• Linda was born in Mesa, AZ, and moved to Seminole County in 1981 from Ft. Collins, CO.

Linda Jean Lord 25 Years

• She attended Seminole High School and served as a volunteer firefighter at the Lake Mary Volunteer Fire Department through the Boy Scouts Firefighter Explorer Program.

• Linda was thrilled ride on the tailboard of a fire truck at the age of 16. You might say she was “hooked.”

Linda Lord – 25 Years

• Linda completed her firefighter and EMT training in 1983 at Seminole Community College and she was hired by Orange County two weeks before her 19th birthday.

• She attended Valencia Community College where she earned an Associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Services and Nursing.

• Linda became a Registered Nurse at Florida Hospital’s Altamonte Springs Emergency Department and is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

• She has been married to retired firefighter Lieutenant Keith for 29 years and they have two children: Tara, and Robert. *

• Dave was born in Sanford and graduated from Seminole High School and Seminole Community College.

David J. Craig 25 Years

• He was hired by Orange County in 1984 to work on Truck 66, where he spent 9 years. He then moved on to Station 63.

• Dave has also worked at Station 82 and he’s currently stationed at the new Station 86 in Wedgefield.

David Craig – 25 Years• Dave has worked several structure fires while on the Truck

Company, including large apartment and warehouse fires.• His busiest time was while working Station 63 in the Goldenrod/

UCF area.• Dave worked many of the brush fires around the Bithlo area.• He has received 4 citations and several Letters of

Commendation and in 1987, Dave received special recognition for saving the life of victim of a a house fire.

• Dave enjoys participating in the Firefighter Olympics playing basketball and golf and once won a silver medal in basketball.

• He has been married to Donna for 5 years and has one daughter: Krista, along with a grand-daughter, McKenna.

• Dave’s hobbies include: golf, poker and fishing with his grand-daughter. *

• Jeff was born in Red Bank, NJ and moved to Merritt Island in 1975.

• He graduated from Merritt Island High School.

Jeffery Scott Wood 25 Years

• Jeff attended Mid-Florida Tech for firefighter standards and he’s also a graduate of Valencia Community College and Columbia College.

• Jeff was hired by Orange County in 1984 as a Engineering Technician.

Jeff Wood – 25 Years• Jeff’s first job with Orange County was to update Fire

Rescue’s map book, graphics and work on special projects.

• He transferred to Operations in 1986. Jeff was promoted to Lieutenant in 1999 and Captain in 2006.

• Jeff has two children: Jenna, who graduated as a nurse from UCF and is now working at Winnie Palmer Hospital; and Alec, a freshman at Center Academy, who is a Fire Explorer with the City of Orlando.

• Jeff’s hobbies include: Running 5k’s and training for the upcoming Disney Half Marathon in January. *

• Bob was born and raised in Orlando. He graduated from Apopka High School.

Robert D. Barrett 30 Years

• He is certified in all phases of firefighting and is a certified EMT and Scott Air Pack Repair Technician.

• Bob started with Orange County in 1979 working at Station 50 - Holden Heights Fire Station.

Robert Barrett – 30 Years

• Bob was promoted to Engineer in 1982. He worked with the SCUBA unit for five years as a search & recovery diver and repair technician.

• He is a certified smoke diver and holds a certification in Arson Detection and Investigation

• He has been married to Kim for 28 years and they have two sons: Jason, and Kyle.

• In his spare time, Bob volunteers with his church.• He also works on computers, enjoys racing and he

is looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his family. *

Public WorksPublic Works Traffic EngineeringTraffic Engineering

• Leslie was born in Pageland, SC and moved to Central Florida in 1968.

• She graduated from Seminole High School.

Leslie R. Cauthen 20 Years

• Leslie has studied at Seminole and Valencia Community Colleges.

• She was hired by Orange County in 1989 to work as the USDA Clerk for Community Affairs, where she was known as the “Cheese Lady”.

Leslie Cauthen – 20 Years• Leslie was promoted and move to the Utilities Customer

Service Division where she worked for 12 years.• She has been honored at the Mayor’s Employee Coffee on

many occasion for her excellent customer service.• Leslie was promoted in 2001 to Project Coordinator at Traffic

Engineering in Public Works.• She has been on the executive team for United Way for the

past 15 years.• Leslie is a proud mother of two sons: Robert, 15, who attends

Pine Ridge High School; and Cameron, 12, a 7th grader at Heritage Middle School. Both are honor students.

• In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading and helping with mission work. She serves as Chairman of the Trustee Board of her church where she oversees a very large budget. *

UtilitiesUtilities Customer ServiceCustomer Service

• Lowell was born at the Clark Air Force Base in Manila, Philippines and graduated from the Manhattan School of Music.

Lowell Kemal Lawson 20 Years

• He was hired by the Orange County Comptroller’s Office in 1989, was promoted and transferred to the Division of Information Technologies in 1993. Lowell has also worked at Orange TV, EPD, Animal Services, the Convention Center and the Mayor’s Office. He has been working in the Utilities Customer Service Division since 2008.

Lowell Lawson – 20 Years• Lowell is always eager to assist with special programs or

projects. Among them: The post 9/11 ceremonies, Mayor’s breakfasts and luncheons, United Way events, talent shows and Commissioner District Programs. Lowell has also sung the National Anthem at Orlando Magic games.

• He won 1st place in the County Talent Show twice and finished 2nd once.

• Lowell has been married to Dilcia for 33 years and they have one son: Byron, who has served in the Air Force for 10 years.

• They also have a grand-daughter: Giselle.• In his spare time, Lowell sings, plays the flute and guitar,

and volunteers at the Church of Latter Day Saints. *

Awards PresentationCounty AdministrationCommunications:• Guariemas Benjamin 20 Years

CorrectionsSecurity Operations:• Deborah Harvey 20 Years• John Costello Jr. 20 Years

Awards Presentation

CorrectionsProfessional Services:• Sandra Jennings 20 Years• Mary McMillan 30 Years

Awards PresentationFamily ServicesHead Start:• Gail Davis 20 Years

Youth & Family Services:• Rochelle Tompkins 20 Years

Community Action:• Nora McGill 20 Years

Awards PresentationFire RescueOperations:• William Dike 25 Years• Linda Lord 25 Years• David Craig 25 Years• Jeffery Wood 25 Years• Robert Barrett 30 Years

Awards PresentationPublic WorksTraffic Engineering:• Leslie Cauthen 20 Years

UtilitiesCustomer Service:• Lowell Lawson 20 Years

Employee Service AwardsEmployee Service AwardsNovember 3, 2009November 3, 2009