2. Employee Service Awards June 3, 2008

3. 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.

4. Corrections In-Custody Support

5. Lona was born in Landstuhl, Germany, while her father served in the Air Force. She graduated from Palatka High School and St. Johns River Community College. Lona M. Fleming 20 Years Lona is a licensed Practical Nurse. She was hired in 1988 to work in the Corrections Medical Department and successfully completed the Corrections Officer Academy.

6. Lona Fleming – 20 Years Lona was promoted to Corporal in 1995. She has received several team awards and special awards in suicide prevention. Lona has helped rewrite policies and procedures. She was assigned to the transition team for the grand opening of the new Booking & Release Center. Lona has been married to James, who is retired from the military, for 7 years, and they have two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren. Lona’s favorite pastime is reading and singing. She is also an active member of a non-profit Christian outreach ministry that teaches biblical principles and feeds the homeless. *

7. Corrections Health Services

8. Renee was born in Lake Worth and moved to Orlando in 1988. She graduated from Santa Fe Community College and the University of Florida. Renee Belinda Leonard-Blunt 20 Years Renee started her career with Orange County in 1988 working in the Corrections Medical Unit. She has been promoted from RN to Nursing Unit Supervisor, to Director of Nurses in 2006.

9. Renee Leonard-Blunt – 20 Years Renee has received several teamwork awards. In 2001, she was transferred from Corrections to Health and Family Services. She has been married to Bruce for 19 years, 11 months and they have three children: Bruce Jr., JeCory and Cadmar; and 2 twin, 7 month old grandsons. In her spare time, Renee enjoys photography, church and family. *

10. Corrections Community Corrections

11. Debra was born in Valdosta, GA and moved to Central Florida in 1978. She graduated from Valdosta High School, and Valdosta State University. Debra S. Kirby - 30 Years Debra was hired in 1978 as a key punch operator in Orange County’s Data Center. In 1979, she transferred to Great Oaks Village as a Youth Care Worker.

12. Debra Kirby – 30 Years Debra was hired by Court Alternatives in 1983 and worked as a Probation Officer. In 1996, she transferred to Pre-Trial Diversion and a year later, Debra was selected to help form the Pre-Trial Mental Health Unit. Debra currently works with DUI offenders. She has been married to Mike for 25 years and they have two children: Melanie, 23, who attends Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia; and Kyle, 20, a sophomore at Samford University in Birmingham, AL on a football scholarship. In her spare time, Debra enjoys reading, writing, working out, going to the beach, traveling and singing in the Baptist Sweetwater Oaks Choir. *

13. Corrections In-Custody Security

14. Bennie was born in Bartow, FL and moved to Central Florida in 1980. He graduated from Bartow High School, Valencia Community College and Columbia College. He is currently attending Mountain State University, working toward a Master’s in Art and the Science of Leadership. Bennie L. Watson - 25 Years Bennie was hired by Corrections in 1983 and earned promotions to Corporal and Sergeant.

15. Bennie Watson – 25 Years Bennie also served for 22 years in the Army Reserves as a Combat Medic. He retired in 2002. He has been married to Wilhelmenia for 29 years and they have a son, Bennie Jr., 22 and a daughter, Monae Dionne, 19, who’s at UCF. In his spare time, Bennie enjoys fishing & golf and he supports the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. *

16. Fire Rescue Administration

17. Joe was born and raised in Orlando. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School and the University of Phoenix. Joseph C. Washington - 20 Years Joe served for 4 years in the Air Force. He was hired by Orange County in 1988, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1993 and appointed Acting Division Chief in Safety & Risk in 2000. Joe is currently the Battalion Chief for Safety & Wellness.

18. Joe Washington – 20 Years Joe has many accomplishments, including: * Developing and implementing inventory control and records request tracking systems. * Obtaining a hazard mitigation grant for $268K to purchase station hurricane shutters. * Chairing the Orange County Vehicle Requirement Utilization Committee. * Coordinating the implementation of an accountability system for emergency incidents. * Re-Developing the Fire Department Newsletter. * Coordinating the opening of 7 new Fire Stations. * Winning two NACO Awards for the Wellness Program and Mobile Fitness Unit. * Coordinating the implementation of Incumbent Physical Ability Testing for current firefighters. * Joe is scheduled to begin the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program this fall.

19. Joe Washington – 20 Years Joe is currently on Orange County’s Risk Committee and he serves on the Board of Directors for the Goldenrod Area Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Melissa and they have three children: Joseph, Barry and Brandon and a grandson: Julius. In his spare time, Joe enjoys watching sports, preferably… *

20. Rita was born and raised in Orlando, graduated from Bishop Moore High School and the University of Central Florida. Rita R. Brothers - 25 Years Rita came to Orange County in 1982 as an original hire on the Convention Center team. She worked at the new Convention Center for 2 years before moving to Corrections.

21. Rita Brothers – 25 Years Rita worked at Corrections for 16 years and has been with Fire Rescue for 7 more. She has been certified as a Professional in Human Resources since 1998. Rita has been married to Pete for 18 years and they have one child: Burke. Rita loves to travel. She has visited 25 different countries to date. She also loves to read. She has donated her hair to the Beautiful Lengths program that provides wigs to cancer patients. *

22. Fire Rescue Operations

23. Jay was born in Pottstown, PA and moved to Central Florida in 1985. He graduated from Spring Ford High School and Loch Haven University in PA. Jay Brian Morrow - 20 Years Jay was hired in 1988 by Orange County Fire Rescue. He has served as Program Manager at the Central Florida Firefighter Academy and is a member of IFSTA Development Council.

24. Jay Morrow – 20 Years Jay was Captain of the Friendship Fire Company in Pennsylvania for 4 years. He was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief with Orange County 4 years ago. Jay has a 13 year old daughter, Kelsey, who attends St. Charles Middle School. His hobbies include sports & travel. He especially likes attending Navy Football games. *

25. John was born and raised in Orlando and graduate from Oak Ridge High School. He attended Valencia Community College and Rollins College. John F. Duke - 20 Years John was hired in 1988 and promoted to Engineer in 2004.

26. John Duke - 20 Years John received a special Fire Chief’s Award last year for work that he did on the EMS Supply program. He has been married to Heather for 19 years and they have three children: Rebecca, 16; Madison, 12; and Daniel, 9. In his spare time, John enjoys sailing, surfing, fishing, and working on computers. *

27. Doug was born in Miami and moved to Orlando in 1988. He graduated from Miami Norland High and Miami Dade College. Doug was hired by Orange County in 1988. He has worked at stations 40, 29, 64, 54, 41 and 27. Douglas F. Oliver - 20 Years

28. Doug Oliver – 20 Years Doug was promoted to Engineer in 2003. In his spare time, Doug spends as much time as possible with his father fishing. *

29. Gary was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Apopka in 1968. He graduated from Apopka High School and attended Lake County Vo-Tech when he earned his firefighter and EMT Standards. Gary L. Brannock - 20 Years Gary was hired by Orange County in 1988 and started at Station 73. He was transferred to Station 71, and has been in Battalion One ever since.

30. Gary Brannock – 20 Years Gary has been married to Mimi for 23 years and they have 3 children: Marla, 18 who attends Seminole Community College; Hillary, 16; and Chase, 14, both attending Pine Ridge High School. On his days off, Gary enjoys spending time on the water, fishing and with his family. *

31. Marlin was born and raised in Orlando. He lived in the Lockhart area until his teen years, then moved to Forest City. He graduated from Lake Brantley High School. Marlin Ellis - 20 Years Marlin was hired by Orange County in 1988 from Leesburg Fire Rescue. He graduated from the paramedic program in 1990.

32. Marlin Ellis – 20 Years Marlin worked at Station 36, and in 1994 he entered the Chase Medical Helicopter Program. In 2003, he was promoted to Engineer and in 2004 to Lieutenant. He currently serves at Station 55. Marlin has two children: Joshua, and Lindsey and one grandson, Hagen. Marlin enjoys fishing and boating and he’s active in union activities. *

33. Joe was born in Rochester, NY & moved to Central Florida when he was 6 months old. He graduated from Evans High School. Joseph L. Silvestris - 20 Years A friend talked him into looking into the fire department as a career. Joe took one EMT course and was hooked. He was hired in 1988 as assigned to the South Side of Orange County. Joe‘s career goals included becoming a Paramedic on FireStar and to be a Battalion Chief.

34. Joe Silvestris – 20 Years After becoming a paramedic, Joe was transferred to Station 50 and trained to be a Special Operations Technician on Squad One. In 2002, he was promoted to Lieutenant and in 2004 to Battalion Chief. He is now the Special Operations Chief. Joe has received numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Meritorious Award for assisting a family during the Winter Garden Tornadoes. He has also saved many victims of house fires and rescued a child from an apartment fire just prior to being promoted to Battalion Chief. Joe has been married to his high school sweetheart for 20 years and they have three sons: Alex, Brandon, and Camden. Joe loves waking his 16 year up every weekday to go to the gym with him. *

35. Michael was born in Hempstead, New York and moved to Florida in 1984. He graduated from Each Meadow High School, Pasco/Hernando County Community College and the University of Phoenix. Michael J. Farides - 20 Years Mike was hired by the Garden City Fire Department in 1980 and the Northwest Hernando Fire District in 1986, before joining Orange County Fire Rescue in 1988.

36. Mike Farides – 20 Years Mike was initially assigned to Truck 42, and was transferred to Engine 42, 30, 31, 53 and 50. He is currently assigned as an Incident Command Technician and is in charge of personnel accountability on fire scenes. In his spare time, Mike enjoys boating and water sports. The worst moment of his career was searching for two brother firefighters at the Palm Parkway Fire. His best moment has been every day since. *

37. Fire Rescue Communications

38. Carrie was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and moved to Orlando in 1973. She graduated from Boone High School and Valencia Community College. She was hired by Orange County in 1988 as a dispatcher. Carrie Beth Allard - 20 Years Carrie became a dispatch trainer in 1991, promoted to Assistant Supervisor in 2000 and is currently the Acting Supervisor for “B” Shift.

39. Carrie Allard – 20 Years Carrie is a member of the peer-to-peer CISM Team and she is EMT and EMD Certified. In 1988, her mother Jean Page, who works in Growth Management, told Carrie about a great opportunity in Fire Rescue Dispatching. She has received numerous Letters of Commendation, Recognitions and Meritorious Pins. Her best career achievement was the successful training of other dispatchers over the years. Carrie has enjoyed making a difference for the citizens of Orange County and helping people through the 911 System. She has been married to Bob, a EMS Chief in Titusville, for 10 years and they have three children: Megan, Rob and Hanna. Carrie’s hobbies include: watching the Red Sox, attending musical performances by Rob, cruising, reading, writing and any craft involving painting or yarn. *

40. Dawn was born in Michigan and moved to Central Florida when she was 6 months old. She graduated from DeLand High School. Dawn was hired by the Conway Fire Department in 1978. Dawn M. Ober - 30 Years She has worked in dispatch for several significant events, such as the 1998 wildfires, the hurricanes of 2004 and the tornadoes that struck Winter Garden.

41. Dawn Ober – 30 Years Dawn was promoted to supervisor in 1999. She has also earned certification as an EMT. She has one daughter: Katie. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys crafts, playing on the computer and spending time with family and friends. *

42. Growth Management Housing and Community Development

43. Larry started with Orange County in the Planning Department as a Planning Aide. He was promoted to Graphic Supervisor and then transferred to the Housing and Community Development Division as a Community Development Assistant. Larry T. Davis - 30 Years Larry was born in Baltimore, MD and moved to Central Florida in 1978. He graduated from Essex Community College and LeMillet School for Commercial Arts.

44. Larry Davis – 30 Years Larry currently works a Project Coordinator, and serves on numerous planning committees, including: Education and Media Committee for the Coalition for a Drug Free Community; Transportation and Mobility 20/20; “Our Children’s Legacy”; and many more. He is member of the Masonic, and Scottish Rite Lodges. Larry has won several awards including: Employee’s Choice Award, Employee of the Month and Quarter, and Chairman’s Award. Larry has been married to Carolyn for 35 years and they have two daughters: Heather and Stephanie; and 2 grandsons: Austin and Alex. Larry’s hobbies include: deep sea fishing, photography, golf, playing the congas, island music, the beach and spending time with family and friends. *

45. Utilities Water Reclamation

46. Roy was born in Milwaukee, WI and moved to Central Florida when he was 2. He graduated from Colonial High School and has earned an Associate’s Degree in Water Distribution. Roy A. Zarefoss - 20 Years He served in the Army for four years. Roy was hired by Water Distribution in 1988.

47. Roy Zarefoss – 20 Years Roy spent 12 years in Water Distribution and he was a Pubic Works Inspector for 6 years. He is now working in Water Reclamation. Roy helped with the conversion of the old laboratory at Eastern Wastewater Facility into office space for the East-West Transmission split. He has been married to Gloria for 25 years and they have two sons: Roy Jr., and Ryan. Roy’s hobbies include: Boating, fishing, water skiing and wood working. *

48. Utilities Customer Service

49. Dennis was born in Clarksburg, WV and moved to Central Florida in 1959. He graduated from Winter Park High School, Valencia Community College and he’s attended UCF. Dennis G. Knight - 20 Years Dennis was hired in 1987 to work in the Utilities Customer Service Division as a Meter Reader. He was promoted to Customer Service Field Representative and Senior Field Representative.

50. Dennis Knight – 20 Years Dennis has been recognized numerous times for Outstanding Customer Service. He has been married to Diane for 25 years. They have one daughter: Jennifer, who works for a plastic surgeon. In his spare time, Dennis enjoys boating and volunteering with his church youth group. *

51. Awards Presentation Corrections In-Custody Support: Lona Fleming20 Years Health Services: Renee Leonard-Blunt20 Years Community Corrections: Debra Kirby30 Years

52. Awards Presentation Corrections In-Custody Security: Bennie Watson25 Years Fire Rescue Administration: Joseph Washington20 Years Rita Brothers25 Years

53. Awards Presentation Fire Rescue Operations: Jay Morrow20 Years John Duke20 Years Doug Oliver20 Years Gary Brannock20 Years Marlin Ellis20 Years Joe Silvestris20 Years Mike Farides20 Years

54. Awards Presentation Fire Rescue Communications: Carrie Allard20 Years Dawn Ober30 Years Growth Management Housing & Community Development: Larry Davis30 Years

55. Awards Presentation Utilities Water Reclamation: Roy Zarefoss20 Years Customer Service: Dennis Knight20 Years

56. Employee Service Awards June 3, 2008