Martin Blair, Fire Equipment Technician

For the past eleven years, Martin Blair has strived for excellence as the Town's Fire Equipment Technician. He keeps the fire trucks rolling and crews ready to respond to the emergency needs of Gilbert citizens. He ensures that the Fire Department is up-to-date on the required standards for equipment that impacts the well-being of his customers such as air packs and heart monitors. He has saved the Town thousands of dollars due to his ability to repair equipment in-house. He has even created a manikin for the Fire Training Department, producing a superior product to what the commercial market offers and for less money. Martin is a truly amazing employee.

Matt Martindale, Police Officer

An officer with a strong work ethic in his daily duties, and a member of the Criminal Apprehension Team and SWAT, Police Officer Matt Martindale has plenty to do. However, when asked to implement a tactical medic program for Gilbert Police, he took the assignment with enthusiasm and pride. Knowing that the program would save the lives of Gilbert residents and his fellow officers, Matt completed countless hours of research to become familiar with the program and secure the best equipment for the task at hand. He recruited medical professionals to act as instructors and made sure that they received special training so they would provide the best possible education. Because of his efforts, about 220 officers along with many dispatchers have benefited from this lifesaving program.

Michael Krzak, Police Detention Transport Officer

The exceptional team attitude exhibited by Detention Officer Mike Krzak is evident in his daily work. Mike never falters when it comes to assisting with the booking process by using his skills and sharing his knowledge. He completes warrant turnovers when officers are unavailable and assists with fingerprinting and photographing to bring efficiency to the booking process. At the same time, he protects the rights of each detained citizen, treating them with respect, even in the face of their anger or hostility. Mike is willing to respond to scene locations and transports subjects when he can. He routinely goes above and beyond his regular detention officer duties to alleviate the workload of patrol officers, putting them back on the street quickly to better protect Gilbert residents.

Pat Slusser, Water Production Supervisor

Pat Slusser has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge by moving up through the ranks from Water Treatment Operator to Water Production Supervisor. He is ready to take action to meet projected future water demands while ensuring that Gilbert's population is provided safe and quality water. His water system vulnerability assessment mitigates risks by vandalism, insider sabotage, terrorist attacks, and other threats. To those employees he supervises, Pat passes his knowledge onto them. He is approachable and willing to help solve any problems that may occur.

Peggy Kearny, Police Communications Supervisor

This past October, a power generator switch at the Gilbert Public Safety Complex needed to be replaced, making it necessary to shut off the electricity at the Gilbert Police Complex for several hours. In order to continue its services, the Gilbert Communications section transferred its operations to the Mesa Police Department's Communications Center. With an upbeat and supportive attitude, Peggy Kearny ensured that impacted employees were prepared for the challenges they would face that day. Information flowed among appropriate staff members at both work sites and any technical challenges were addressed immediately. Her efforts helped the Town communications run smoothly and ensured the safety of Gilbert residents would not be compromised.

Robert Jordan, Police Officer

Officer Robert Jordan is known as a dependable, solid professional who protects the community on the graveyard police patrol. A crime suppression officer tasked with community oriented policing and gang awareness, he routinely builds rapport with citizens in the community to establish relationships and awareness of issues with crime and known offenders. He knows most of the convenience store clerks by name and routinely stops in to discuss their concerns with crime. This has resulted in a feeling of trust and enhanced communications with citizens which is why crime has been suppressed at the neighborhood level. Robert is a consistent leader and leads his team in discussions on how to make Gilbert a safe place to live.

Ronda Kregle, Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant Ronda Kregle is a valuable member of the Development Services Engineering Division and is the definition of service excellence. She effectively solved lingering logistical matters resulting from the reorganization that took place early in the year. Ronda positively impacted fellow staff members by sharing her historical knowledge, common processes, and situational references while also providing attention to detail and a high work ethic. Professionals working with her speak of her professionalism, responsiveness, courtesy, and knowledge. In times of need, she is the first one to come in early or work late on a project.

Scott Girardin, Police Lieutenant

Lt. Scott Girardin demonstrates his leadership through open communication with his staff. When it comes to information distribution, Scott first gathers the facts, confirms the information then relays it to others. He consistently makes sure that others are kept "in the loop" regarding projects or crises. As a supervisor, he fosters his employees to allow them to use their knowledge, talent, organizational skills, and judgment to perform the work. To ensure success, Scott follows up to confirm that the assignments have been completed. Most importantly, his goal as supervisor for the Traffic Unit is to make sure that, both internal and external customers are treated with respect and dignity.

Sean Fulton, Police Telecommunicator

As a member of the Police Communications Section weekend staff, Sean Fulton has worked a number of high priority incidents. Reacting quickly to stressful situations, Sean has assisted officers while maintaining his composure and positive attitude. He has the skills to use various resources to provide officers with the subject's name, location, and history. His knowledge of the communications systems allows him to help peers find an address when the caller is unable to provide one. In addition to his regular responsibilities, Sean is ready to help when unexpected, immediate coverage is needed. He volunteers to come in early or stay late to assist with whatever needs to be done.

Shana Effio, Police Telecommunicator

Shana's skills were highlighted this past year during a call that allowed her to defuse a situation that could have ended with fatalities. A suicidal man called the communications center to initiate his own death. His plan was to give police officers a cause to shoot him. Shana spoke with the distraught man for almost two hours until she was able to transfer the man to a negotiator. The suspect conveyed that he was doing better, and "Shana was real good at her job." She was able to persuade him into surrendering. Shana is an example of the positive impact we can have on others and the need to always be ready for any situation.

Susan Roberts, Deputy Town Clerk

Susan Roberts has served Gilbert's internal and external customers for more than 25 years. During that time she has embraced the changes in record retention processes, and worked to maintain user-friendly databases that meet the needs of her customers. Requisitions for public records request come to the Clerk's office from the media, attorneys, Town employees, and the public. Susan responds promptly to the person making the request with professionalism, respect, and a neutral attitude regardless of the subject matter. At the same time, she reviews the document with a sharp eye to determine whether anything on the document is protected by law and not subject to disclosure.

Ted Bullock, Assistant Town Prosecutor

Ted Bullock is a true inspiration to his department and the Town of Gilbert. Through Ted's innovation and service excellence, he made key contributions to the development and implementation of a new case management system, eCourt, for the Prosecutor's Office. Since 2009, he has worked to develop software enhancements necessary to run a productive department. Ted remains a dominant force in the fine-tuning of the system while accomplishing his daily tasks. His efforts have helped advance the Town's goals and objectives in a positive way.

Tracy Bender, Recreation Coordinator

Tracy Bender's stewardship of her work goes beyond her required duties. Working tirelessly, Tracy has built a rapport among her employees and customers. By taking time to listen to their thoughts, ideas, and, concerns has lead to enhanced morale and quality performance. She places value on others and shows a genuine concern for their needs, while still managing her duties, as well as, Gilbert procedures, and required policies. She also takes the initiative to improve the safety and appearance of Town property. In the past six months she has had a positive impact on the staff, patrons, programs, and facility for which she is responsible for.

Wes Kemp, Fire Battalion Chief

Fire Battalion Chief Wes Kemp is known for taking on new challenges and projects. During 2011, he was asked to lead projects that are worth more than $10 million. The projects required coordination of Town employees, representatives of neighboring communities and vendors. One project includes managing, financing, and constructing a new "green" fire station. Wes is also leading several technology projects including electronic patient care reporting, electronic inspection reporting, implementation of new station alerting systems, fiber optic connectivity, and transition to a new data movement and computer system in fire apparatus. Wes Kemp's efforts have lead to savings of more than $500,000 to the Town.