Kent County Department Heads have selected JILL A. JOHNS from the Department of Planning Services as the February 2019 Employee of the Month.
Jill first started with Kent County in 1995 and presently serves as the Administrative Secretary for the Department of Planning Services. Her primary duties include supervision of clerical staff, preparation of general correspondence as well payroll, coordination of the professional certification and renewal process for inspections staff, and verification of vendor invoices. She was promoted to her current position in July 2004 after serving as Senior Secretary in the Inspections & Enforcement Division and a Personnel Technician II in the Personnel Office.
Jill was previously recognized as Employee of the Year in 2004, and has continued to exceed expectations year after year and more recently took on additional responsibilities due to staff downsizing. Her positive attitude and outstanding customer service skills serve as a model for all County employees and consistently earn her high praise from the public.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Jill is the best of the best. The entire staff relies upon her to keep the department in sync. The task is untenable, but she handles it with confidence and enthusiasm. We are so fortunate to have her on our team.”
Congratulations Jill on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected COLBY G. HARRINGTON from the Department of Public Works as the January 2019 Employee of the Month.
Colby has been a Kent County employee since February 2012 and serves as Maintenance Foreman for the Collection & Transmission System for the Regional Resource Recovery Facility. His primary duties include prioritization, scheduling and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance activities for the sewage collection and transmission system.
As foreman, Colby makes decisions regarding sewage overflows or backups on weekends and at all hours of the night. He has earned a reputation with sewer customers for his quick and empathetic response to what is more often than not a very unpleasant situation. A highly capable supervisor, Colby is often called upon to oversee large rehabilitation projects at major pumping stations and the treatment plant itself. A recent example of his success was the $950,000 emergency south basin liner replacement project that required tremendous coordination of multiple contractors and staffing resources.
According to Director of Public Works Diana Golt, “Colby is dedicated to Kent County and can be depended upon to take charge to get daily and emergency jobs done. His experience and dedication are great assets that benefit the County every day. He is truly deserving of recognition as Employee of the Month.”
Congratulations Colby on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected PATRICIA A. (TRISH) BROWN from the Clerk of the Peace Office as the December 2018 Employee of the Month.
Trish has been a Kent County employee since January 2017 and serves as the Deputy Clerk of the Peace. Her primary duties include assisting the elected official with office operations, collecting and verifying information required to issue marriage licenses, officiating marriage ceremonies, preparation of Levy Court meeting minutes and publication of hearing notices and ordinances, collecting/depositing applicable fees and electronically filing marriage records, and staff supervision duties.
Trish previously worked more than 19 years as a Judicial Case Manager for the Court of Common Pleas and developed a strong commitment to customer service while there. That experience has proven invaluable in this highly public office and earned her many comments about her pleasant and friendly attitude. She is regularly praised by couples for her helpfulness during the marriage license application process and for going above and beyond when helping customers by telephone.
According to Clerk of the Peace Brenda Wooten, “Trish is dedicated to Kent County and can be depended upon to perform marriage ceremonies, take Levy Court business meeting minutes, and oversee the day-to-day operations in my absence. She is a joy to work with and always goes the extra mile to see that all tasks are done to perfection. She is truly deserving of recognition as Employee of the Month.”
Congratulations Trish on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MICHELE A. LAPINSKI from the Department of Community Services as the November 2018 Employee of the Month.
Michele has been a Kent County employee since July 1989 and currently serves as a Library Technician II in the Division of Libraries. Her primary duties include assisting library patrons with book and material selection, cataloging and processing library materials, and assisting visitors with the public computers and Internet access.
Michele previously served as an Account Specialist in the Parks & Recreation Department, before transferring to the Libraries Division in 2015, and was a long time Employee Council member serving as Secretary for the group for many years. Since then she has become very involved in programming activities and providing leadership to unique elements of the reading community – such as anime and music. She is passionate about reading and that is reflect in the outstanding effort she invests in every program.
According to Community Services Director Jeremy Sheppard, “Michele takes advantage of her personal passions of music and art to create new and successful programs at the Kent County Public Library. Michele is a thoughtful and dedicated long time employee of Kent County.”
Congratulations Michele on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ERIKA J. BRETSCHER from the Department of Public Safety as the October 2018 Employee of the Month.
Erika has been a Kent County employee since December 2015 and serves as a Paramedic II in the Division of Emergency Medical Services. Her primary duties include treating patients using advanced emergency care procedures and ensuring the high quality delivery of life support techniques. In addition, she serves as the Field Training Officer for her shift responsible for orienting and evaluating new hires, precepting Delaware Tech paramedic students, and conducting continuing education training.
Erika is praised by supervisors for her enthusiasm and initiative. She takes an active role in the Division by serving as the County’s representative on the State Protocols Committee which reviews and develops procedures for treatment and medications for consideration by the seven State Medical Directors. Erika’s co-workers especially appreciate her eagerness to educate. It is not uncommon to see Erika with new paramedics or paramedic candidates reviewing a piece of equipment or practicing skills on the manikins between emergency calls.
According to Public Safety Director Chief Colin Faulkner, “Erika exhibits a high level of energy that lends itself well to her FTO duties instructing Paramedic students during field training and the quality assurance process. She brings out the best in people, especially on the scene. Her keen awareness of patient outcomes drives her to be the best she can be in every situation. That dedication serves as an inspiration to her co-workers. She is especially deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations Erika on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected THOMAS R. GATES from the Department of Public Works as the September 2018 Employee of the Month.
Tom started with Kent County in August 2009 and serves as a Wastewater Plant Operator IV in the Division of Wastewater Facilities. His primary duties include monitoring the wastewater treatment process and flow to achieve optimal functionality and maintain compliance with environmental and NPDES discharge permit regulations; completing routine and major equipment and physical plant repairs; recognizing and correcting operational issues; and supervising and training less experienced plant operators.
Tom is a dedicated professional who earns high praise for his vast knowledge of pumps and valves in addition to his superior understanding of wastewater treatment processes and his outstanding mentoring skills. On countless occasions, Tom’s experience has helped him identify potential treatment issues and take proactive corrective action before permit limits were exceeded.
According to his Public Works Director Diana Golt, “Tom is one of the most dedicated plant operators working at the Kent County Regional Resource Recovery Facility. His can-do attitude is an effective training technique for new operators and the overall operational achievements at the wastewater plant. His experience and dedication are great assets that benefit the County every day.”
Congratulations Tom on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected LARRY T. RIDDICK from the Department of Administration as the August 2018 Employee of the Month.
Larry started with Kent County in June 2016 and serves as a Custodian in the Facilities Management Office. His primary duties include recycling collection and complex terrazzo floor maintenance in the Kent County Administrative Complex as well as weekend assignments at the Kent County Recreation Center.
Larry is a dedicated employee who earns high praise from supervisors for his personal commitment to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for visitors and fellow employees. Larry is a dependable employee who can be counted on to complete all assigned tasks in a safe manner and represent Kent County in the most positive way.
According to Facilities Director Dick MacDonald, “The work our custodians do is often underappreciated, but it is extremely important in maintaining a safe environment for everyone working in or using our facilities. Larry comes to work every day with a positive attitude and diligently performs his duties in a manner that generates good will from the public and visitors. He is well deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations Larry on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected THOMAS P. WILLIAMS from the Department of Public Safety as the July 2018 Employee of the Month.
Tom has worked for Kent County since July 2009 and serves as a Dispatcher II in the Emergency Communications Division. His primary duties include responding to numerous emergency and non-emergency calls, assessing the critical response required, and then dispatching the proper emergency service.
Supervisors regularly praise him for his positive attitude and willingness to work whenever needed. Tom is EMD/EFD-Q certified and as such is one of four dispatchers responsible for listening to hundreds of 9-1-1 calls for quality assurance purposes. Whenever Tom identifies an issue with protocol compliance, he refers the matter to the dispatcher’s supervisor for remediation.
Tom is active on the mobile command center and recently served as host and tour guide of the technology laden vehicle at Safe Summer Day. In addition, recognizing the importance of having highly experienced dispatchers on-site at the Firefly Festival, Tom volunteered to backfill at the Dispatch Center to cover shifts during the event.
According to Director of Public Safety Chief Colin Faulkner, “Tom exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding dispatcher and employee. He has excellent customer service skills and that is effectively demonstrated on each and every 9-1-1 call he handles. He is well deserving of this honor.”
Congratulations Tom on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ROXANNE L. PARSONS from the Department of Community Services as the June 2018 Employee of the Month.
Roxanne has worked for Kent County since June 2015 and now serves as a Clerk at the Recreation Center after previously working as a Custodian in the Facilities Management Division. Her primary duties include assisting customers at the Rec Center service window, answering telephones, providing information about parks & recreation programming, and routine clerical duties.
Roxanne is praised by her supervisors for her superior customer service skills and willingness to help out wherever needed. Her ability to remain focused and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a very busy work environment is unmatched.
According to Community Services Director Jeremy Sheppard, ““Roxanne has been a positive addition to the Parks and Recreation office. Her customer service skills are excellent and projects a positive image of the County. Roxanne deals with a lot of distraction from her post and handles the day to day business with focus and clarity. Her friendly demeanor and determination to assist all customers makes her a model employee.”
Congratulations Roxanne on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected WALLACE P. WOOTTEN Jr. from the Department of Public Works as the May 2018 Employee of the Month.
Wally has worked for Kent County since October 2000 and now serves as a Heavy Equipment Operator at the Regional Resource Recovery Facility after previously working as a Maintenance Mechanic and as an Electrician in the Wastewater Facilities Division. His primary duties include loading, delivering, and spreading premium quality biosolids – Kentorganite on local farms using a variety of heavy machinery. He is a highly skilled backhoe operator and over the years has been a key team member in major repair projects at all hours of the night and in difficult weather conditions.
Wally is praised by his supervisors for his keen sense of humor and work ethic. His dedication to the job is demonstrated by his consistent recognition for annual perfect attendance and the amiable relationships he has cultivated with the farming community.
According to Public Works Director Diana Golt, “Wally has a can-do attitude and has earned a reputation for always being ready to accomplish any task assigned. He is a valuable member of the team that can be counted on to give 100% every day and every time.”
Congratulations Wally on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected DANIEL E. TWARDUS Jr. from the Department of Planning Services as the April 2018 Employee of the Month.
Dan has worked for Kent County since May 2016 and now serves as a Plans Reviewer I after first working as a Building Codes Inspector. His primary duties include reviewing building permit applications, blueprints, and other documents for conformance to County building codes and authorizing the issuance of building permits.
Dan is praised by his supervisors for his ability to utilize his extensive experience as a self-employed contractor to anticipate building design challenges and communicate code compliance issues with homeowners and others in the building trades. He has brought a unique perspective to the job and been instrumental in helping maintain tight deadlines. More importantly, Dan has cultivated positive working relationships with builders and helped County inspectors identify important aspects of the construction process in need of special attention.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Dan exemplifies the County’s customer service ethos and has brought a positive energy to the County’s plan review process. He is very thorough, but his contracting experience helps him identify with the challenges facing homeowners and the building community. He is able to assist the process by suggesting solutions that meet the code requirements and the construction project’s budget and timetable. He has earned a reputation for being methodical, but fair.”
Congratulations Dan on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ANGELA G. WISE from the Department of Finance as the March 2018 Employee of the Month.
Angie has worked for Kent County since July 1995 and serves as an Account Specialist III. Her primary duties include complex bookkeeping tasks such as assuring accurate payment of invoices, verifying compliance with County procurement rules, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining cash disbursement and receipt journals and ledgers.
Angie is praised by her supervisors for her ability to complete multiple tasks in a fast paced working environment. She also excels as a trainer on the accounts payable system for new staff members. More importantly, over the years Angie has cultivated and maintained trusting working relationships with the various County departments, which results in prompt attention of the responsible direct and indirect cost center funding authority.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Angie is an exemplary member of the Finance team and over the years she has mastered the accounting software with respect to accounts payable. She is dependable and has attained a level of initiative and proficiency that requires minimal follow-up by senior staff.”
Congratulations Angie on a job well done!
Kent County Employee Council selected and Kent County Levy Court has honored LARRY T. RIDDICK from the Department of Administration as the 2018 Employee of the Year!
Larry started with Kent County in June 2016 and serves as a Custodian in the Facilities Management Office. His primary duties include recycling collection and complex terrazzo floor maintenance in the Kent County Administrative Complex as well as weekend assignments at the Kent County Recreation Center.
Larry is a dedicated employee who earns high praise from supervisors for his personal commitment to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for visitors and fellow employees. Larry is a dependable employee who can be counted on to complete all assigned tasks in a safe manner and represent Kent County in the most positive way.
According to Facilities Director Dick MacDonald, “The work our custodians do is often underappreciated, but it is extremely important in maintaining a safe environment for everyone working in or using our facilities. Larry comes to work every day with a positive attitude and diligently performs his duties in a manner that generates good will from the public and visitors. He is well deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations Larry!
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Economic Development Office
Kent Economic Partnership
Greater Kent Committee
Comprehensive Plan
