Employee Service Awards April 7, 2009

Board of County Commissioner’s Employee Service Awards Today’s honorees are recognized for outstanding service and dedication.Today’s honorees are recognized for outstanding service and dedication.

Administrative Services Facilities Management

Jose was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He and his family moved to New York in 1972 and then to Central Florida in In 1989, Jose was hired at the Meadow Woods Water Treatment Plant, where he remained until the plant was de- commissioned. Jose J. Sonera - 20 Years Jose transferred to the Alafaya Plant and then moved to the President’s Drive facility until Jose later joined Facilities Management as a jack of all trades, where he ran the bucket truck, changed lamps and ballasts and performed other electrical work.

Jose Sonera – 20 Years Jose was promoted to Refrigeration and Heating Mechanic I and worked the West District for many years. In 2008, he moved over to the East District. Jose prides himself in his “can do” attitude, that helps him get along with everyone. He has been married to Filomena for 40 years and they have three children: Roberto, Brenda, and Rosalina; and five grandchildren: Kayla, Caesar, Isabell, Jacob and Sophie. Jose loves to fish, and spend special moments with his loved ones. *

Corrections Professional Services

Catherine was born and raised in Orlando. She graduated from Jones High School and has attended Valencia Community College and Webster University. Catherine Roberts - 30 Years Catherine was originally hired by Orange County under the CETA Program as an accounting clerk. In 1987, she was transferred to Corrections as a Dockets Clerk and she is currently an Administrative Specialist in Inmate Records Management.

Catherine Roberts - 30 Years Catherine is a single mom to Catrina, 20, who attended Dr. Phillips High School. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys cooking, grilling and baking. She serves as a Youth Supervisor with her church and loves helping children, and the elderly. *

Corrections Security Operations

Benito was born in New York City, lived in Puerto Rico, then moved to Orlando in He was hired by the Department of Corrections in Benito Arzon 20 Years Benito started at the jail’s Main Facility. He was one of the first to finish the Field Training Officer Program and is still active in that program.

Benito Arzon - 20 Years Benito was a Chaplain for the Fraternal Order of Police for eight years and he remains an active board member. He has worked in all Corrections facilities. Benito has two sons: Christian, 23 and Matthew, 14. His hobbies include: Camping and anything outdoors. He volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 551 in Clermont where he serves as the Assistant Scoutmaster. *

Louis was born in the Bronx, NY and moved to Central Florida in Louis A. Quinones Jr. 20 Years He is currently attending college and will graduate this semester with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Next fall, he will begin the Master’s Program in Strategic Leadership. Louis was hired in 1989 to work at the Adult Booking Facility. He was promoted to Corporal in 1995 and assigned to the Municipal Justice Building.

Louis Quinones - 20 Years Louis was promoted to Sergeant in 2000 and moved to the Main Facility. In 2007, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to Direct Supervision. He has received numerous awards and citations. Louis is a certified Jail Inspector for the Florida Model Jail Standards Program. He is also a certified Jail Manager. He is currently attending the Certified Public Manager’s Program. Louis has been married to Zanoni for 8 ½ years and they have two children: Carissa, 20; and Bianca, 15. He loves all sports, especially golf. Louis works with a youth program to develop future Hispanic leaders. He says his top priority is spending time with his family. *

Fire Rescue Department Office

Dan started with Orange County in 1989 as a Municipal Fire Inspector in the Fire Prevention Bureau. In 1990, he was promoted to Inspector I - Staff Lieutenant with the Office of the Fire Marshal. Daniel K. Kucik – 20 Years Dan was born in Gary, IN and moved to Central Florida in He graduated from Merrillville High School, Structural Pipefitter Apprenticeship Training and Barry University.

Dan Kucik – 20 Years In 1995, Dan was promoted to District Chief, Group Supervisor - responsible for all new construction projects. In July 2001, he was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief to manage fire prevention activities. Dan has received numerous awards: Employee of the Month; Unit Citation; Fire Chief’s Award; and many letters of appreciation. He has been involved in several noteworthy new construction projects including: Rosen Shingle Creek Complex; Marriott World Center and Grande Lakes; Intrawest High-Rise; Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort; Waldorf-Astoria, and Hilton Hotels at Bonnet Creek.

Dan Kucik – 20 Years Dan has established partnerships with various groups and organizations: Central Florida Construction industry Council; Economic Development Committee; Architectural & Engineering Professionals; CF Hotel & Lodging Association; CF Apartment Association; CF Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association; and many other local and state organizations. Dan has been married to Gwen for 21 years and they have two barkless dogs (Basenji)-Penny and Kelly. * He likes to dedicate his spare time to area charities. Dan like to camp, hike, fish, travel, and make people smile. Dan’s advice to everyone is “You make your own happiness and have a wonderful life!”

Fire Rescue Training

LaRon was born in Miami and moved to Orlando in He graduated from Miami Norland High School. LaRon S. Graham 20 Years LaRon attended Florida A&M and Valencia Community College. He graduated from Barry University with a degree in Professional Studies. LaRon was hired as a Firefighter in He was promoted to Lieutenant in the Public Education and Information Bureau in 1994.

LaRon Graham – 20 Years LaRon created the 1 st fire service television show, “Safety Matters” for Orange TV. He has presented Fire Safety Awareness information to more than 100,000 Orange County students. LaRon was promoted to Battalion Chief in He has received numerous Letters of Commendation and awards. He has been married to Mildred for 21 years and they have one daughter: La Rondra. LaRon volunteers with the Black History Month Committee, United Way, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Masonic Lodge and the Elk’s Lodge. He is also Vice President of the Central Florida Progressive Firefighter Association. *

Fire Rescue Operations

Terrance was born and raised in Orlando. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School with honors in R.O.T.C. Terrance B. Darby 20 Years Terrance attended Mid-Florida Tech for auto- mechanics and Valencia Community College. He was originally hired in 1989 as a Firefighter Recruit. He achieved certification as a Paramedic in 1993, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003.

Terrance Darby – 20 Years Terrance is a CPR Instructor and a Trainer for the implementation of LOTUS Notes EMS Report Writing System. He participates with the Orange County Teach-In Program every year. He has been married to Sondra since 1988 and they celebrated their anniversary with a Renewal Ceremony at Union Hall. They had three children, two of whom are now deceased, and 11-year old-Terrance Jr. In his spare time, Terrance enjoys music, martial arts, golf, family, community involvement. He is also an ordained minister. *

Growth Management Building Division

Alan was born in Providence, RI and moved to Central Florida in He graduated from Oviedo High School and attended Valencia Community College. Alan C. Plante 25 Years Alan holds the following state licenses: Building Code Administrator, Building/Mechanical/Plumbing Plan Examiner, Building/Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector. He was hired in 1984 by the Building Department as a Residential Plans Examiner.

Alan Plante – 25 Years Alan was promoted to Commercial Plans Examiner in 1984, Chief Plans Examiner in 1989, Acting Deputy Building Official in 2003; and in 2006, he was appointed the Orange County Building Official. He received the County Chairman’s Excellence Award in Alan is the current Treasurer of the International Code Council’s Gulf Coast Region IX; and Vice President and President-Elect of the Central Florida Chapter of the Building Official’s Association of Florida. He has been married to Cynthia for 21 years and they have one son: Christopher, who attends Timber Creek High School. In his spare time, Alan enjoys coaching baseball, fishing, and woodworking with the tools his dad gave him. *

Public Works Roads and Drainage

Allan was born and raised in Orlando and graduated from Evans High School. He was hired by Orange County in Allan K. Middlebrooks 20 Years Allan came to work for Orange County as a Maintenance Person I with the Highway Department and has been promoted Equipment Operator I, II, III and IV. He has worked with the MSTU hand crew, inmate crew, as a Jetter Truck Operator and with the Support Crew as a concrete truck driver.

Allan Middlebrooks – 20 Years Allan attended the “Future Leaders of America” program at Rollins College. He is certified in CPR and the Driver’s Safety Program. He has been married to Antoinette for 11 years and they have three children: Allan Jr., 19, currently in the Air Force; Demarco, 22, who works for Orange County; and Kadejha, 15, who attends Robinswood Middle School. Allan is involved in numerous charity events, including Black History Month, United Way and Great Oaks Village. He coaches football at the West Oaks Academy and for a youth football league at the Northwest Center. Allan enjoys playing football and basketball and looks forward to early retirement. *

Public Works Highway Construction

Johnnie was born in Charleston, WV, moved to Texas and then to Florida in He served in the Marines for 4 years and worked for the Orlando Police Dept. for 3 years. Johnnie L. Workman – 30 Years Johnnie graduated from UCF with a major in Math. He was hired in 1979 at Public Works as a Trades Helper and has since been promoted to Engineering Inspector II and III. He was recently promoted to Senior Engineering Inspector.

Johnnie Workman – 30 Years Johnnie has been in charge of the Sidewalk Construction Program and has built over 50 miles of sidewalk and handicap ramps over the past 5 years. He has also worked on a number of projects including: Installation of essential guardrails and a river diversion program. He is now responsible for the Highway Construction Division’s North and West areas of Orange County and a $35 million road project contract. John is married to Judy. They have 4 grown children: Thomas, a Sheriff’s Detective in East Virginia; a daughter that works with the Florida Dept of Transportation in Bartow; and two daughters that are stay-at-home moms. Everyone in the family is an avid football fan, and Friday night, Saturdays and Sundays revolve around all kinds of football games. *

Public Works Fiscal and Administration

Yvette was born and raised in Orlando. She graduated from Evans High School and Columbia University. She was hired in 1989 to work at Corrections as an Administrative Specialist. Yvette Caldwell - 20 Years Yvette was promoted and transferred to the Utilities Customer Service Division where she worked in the Call Center and Delinquent Accounts. She was then promoted to Human Resources Technician, Fiscal Coordinator and is currently a Senior Fiscal Coordinator.

Yvette Caldwell – 20 Years Yvette has received numerous appreciation awards for her work with the Great Oaks Village, Black History Month, Junior Achievement and United Way. She has been married to Darryl for over 21 years and they have 3 beautiful children, daughters: Shayla, Shanelle and a son: Deion. They also have one grandson: Cordero, 4. Yvette has two dogs, both boxers: Winston and Chester. In her spare time, she enjoys movies on Lifetime and AMC; watching sports on ESPN; weightlifting and going to the “Fun Spot” with her daughter and being on the football field with her son. She attends the Kingdom Hall for worship, service and community involvement. Overall, Yvette says it’s a pleasure working for Orange County, where she has met a lot of people. She says she loves being around her colleagues. *

Utilities Customer Service

Kathy was born in York, PA, and moved to Central Florida in She graduated from William Penn High School and served 4 years in the Marines. Kathy Ann Gibson 20 Years Kathy joined Orange County in 1989 as a Clerk Typist in Public Utilities. She was promoted to Customer Service Representative, Account Analyst, Senior Utility Account Representative and Account Supervisor.

Kathy Gibson - 20 Years Kathy has received several awards, including: Employee of the Month, Employee of the Quarter, a Letter of Commendation from former Deputy County Administrator Byron Brooks. She is also a winner of the prestigious Jefferson Award for volunteerism. Kathy has been married to David for 3 ½ years. He’s a 2 nd grade school teacher. They have a son: Jerry; three daughters: Kaylesha and twins: Zion and Zoe. Kathy is actively involved in her church and is an ordained minister. She is also “K.C.” the clown in her spare time, providing face painting and balloon art. Kathy has a real passion for serving others. *

Awards Presentation Administrative Services Facilities Management: Jose Sonera20 Years Corrections Professional Services: Catherine Roberts20 Years

Awards Presentation Corrections Security Operations: Benito Arzon20 Years Louis Quinones20 Years Fire Rescue Department Office: Daniel Kucik20 Years

Awards Presentation Fire Rescue Training: LaRon Graham20 Years Operations: Terrance Darby20 Years Growth Management Building: Alan Plante25 Years

Awards Presentation Public Works Roads and Drainage: Allan Middlebrooks20 Years Highway Construction: Johnnie Workman30 Years Fiscal and Administration: Yvette Caldwell20 Years

Awards Presentation Utilities Customer Service: Kathy Gibson20 Years

Employee Service Awards April 7, 2009