January 2009

        Operations Chief Mike Woodward

Chief Woodward was cited for his professionalism and personalism in the performance of his duties and service to his community.  He is always available to respond to citizen inquiries, including unusual questions posed, to ensure their problems are resolved.

In addition, Mike takes personal time to do good deeds for others.  He truly exemplifies our motto, "Service doesn't come from a manual, it comes from the heart."

 February 2009

Lieutenant Phil Jones

Lt. Jones is recognized by his peers and supervisors for is superior activities during the December 2008 Apollo Road fire.  What appeared to be a minor, smoldering fire -- from a lit cigarette tossed into a pit of foam rubber -- quickly erupted into a life-threatening situation.

Phil's quick action, based on years of experience and professionalism, ensured that he and a rookie firefighter (facing his first large-scale fire) exited the building to safety.

Lt. Jones' professionalism not only saved the lives of firefighters but also demonstrated his heartfelt desire to be the best.

 March 2009

Fire Inspector Mark Whorton

Inspector Whorton, while performing a routine inspection of a local business, encountered a lighting fixture that had been installed improperly (wires not correctly connected).  He instructed the elderly owner regarding what to do and how to make the repair.

After leaving the business, Mark was at another location and spied a box of wire nuts that the elderly man needed to make his repair.  He purchased them with his own funds and took them back to the elderly man so he could properly repair the lighting fixture.

While this might not seem signficant, it is just another example of how Inspector Whorton builds relationships with local businesses each day, and how he and the owners work together to solve problems and create a safer community.  Thank you for going "above and beyond".

 April 2009

Firefighter Paramedic    Michael Abernathy

Upon arrival at the scene of a call concerning an obstretrics patient, the crew discovered the woman to be slightly more than 5 months pregnant and in labor, with delivery imminent.  The patient gave birth in the emergency vehicle, with the amniotic sac intact and the placenta attached.

FF/Paramedic Abernathy assessed infant distress, cut the sac, clamped the umbilical cord, performed oral and nasal suction, and did chest compressions -- all while directing care of the mother.

Upon release from Parrish Medical Center, the newborn was transported to Arnold Palmer hospital in Orlando, where it was reported that the baby was fine.

The birth certificate bears the name Michael Abernathy as the deliverer of the newborn -- proof of this once-in-a-career skill performed by a very small percentage of EMS professionals.

 May 2009

Administrative Secretary  Kathy Mosley

Ms. Mosley worked very hard with numerous people to complete the Hazard Mitigation Grant for wind-retrofitting all of our fire stations and headquarters.  She completed the lengthy application process, even dedicating her weekend time to ensure that the multiple page grant application and supporting documentation was ready for signature by the City Manager.  She truly went above and beyond in getting this grant process completed and submitted prior to the deadline.

Additionally, her work with the Emergency Management Exercise, and the preparation of the Department's 2008 Annual Report, make her a key part of our organization.  We thank her for making all these things, and more, happen during the course of a part-time job!

June 2009

No Employee Nominated

July 2009

    Logistics Coordinator      Frank Canada

Immediately upon receiving a citizen's request, Mr. Canada voluntarily replaced missing fire hydrant markers within the citizen's entire neighborhood.  This 15-minute exercise greatly pleased the citizen and made his entire area a safer place.  This instance is only one of many ways Frank steps up.  Whenever he can immediately take care of a problem, he does, or he quickly starts the problem through channels to get resolution.

His position is unique within the Department, and he always does his very best to fill every request he receives, whether logistics oriented or in another area where he can help out.

August 2009

Firefighter/Paramedic David Neeld

Firefighter Neeld was nominated because of his public contact skills and abilities.  There is a great deal of difference between performing a public service and serving the public and David excels at serving the public well. 

When a citizen came to the fire station during truck check-out, FF Neeld went toward her with a smile on his face, greeting her with a cheerful “good morning, how can we help you”.  He then proceeded to escort her into the station for a blood pressure check, exchanging pleasantries along the way.  His greeting was warm and friendly  put her very much at ease.

Another time he assisted a lady who needed to dispose of unused syringes due to a death in her family; he was able to put her at ease and explain the process to her so she came away assured that the new syringes were safe and secure until they were picked up. 

A third example was assisting visitors who asked for help with taking pictures at the Prichard House.  He was cordial and helpful, making a big impression.  Unfortunately, one of the visitors needed medical assistance later in the day, and how delighted she was that 'David, the nice young man from the morning' was there to comfort her.

 September 2009

 Clerical Assistant Ruth Miller

Ruth was chosen for Employee of the Month because of the superior customer service skills she displays while serving as our department’s primary receptionist. 

An example of these skills was a letter of appreciation received from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation, thanking her for her professionalism in assisting one of their employees during an official inspection.  The week prior, she was observed handling a vocally irate customer with tact and courtesy.  

Ruth was commended for her consistent display of exemplary assistance to customers (and visitors) of our city each and every day.   

 October 2009

 Lieutenant Brian Litterilla

Lieutenant Litterilla spent several hours and used his personal equipment to clean and paint the apparatus bays at Station 10.  His extra effort made it possible to restore the bay area to like-new conditions, with the only cost to the City of the paint for the walls and the floor.

This type of extra effort by our employees, during the current economic environment, is truly an asset to the City, as well as an example for others to follow. Brian completed most of the work after work hours and on the weekends as to have minimum impact on operations, as well as inconvenience to crew members at his station.

 November 2009

 No Employee Nominated

 December 2009

 Battalion Chief Chris Threlkeld

Chief Threlkeld took the initiative to coordinate battalion crews for training and to clean up one of the units at 550 S. Brown Avenue for these purposes.  His desire to provide quality training for our department was evident in the amount of time and energy he (and his crew) put into creating a training exercise that was functional, challenging, and fun. 

This training allowed us to accomplish many different aspects of search and rescue as well as our annual “May Day” training with as real of an atmosphere that could be created.  It also provided an opportunity to work with Brevard County Fire Rescue personnel to enhance our effectiveness with multi-jurisdictional responses.

His dedication to our department in continuing to enhance the capabilities of our department is appreciated.

L to R: Battalion Chief Chris Threlkeld, Fire Chief Chuck Bogle