At a Dec. 11 ceremony, the city of Scottsdale passed out awards to valued employees as well as volunteers.
“Our employees continue to show what effective public service looks like,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “The work recognized in these awards highlights the skill, commitment and collaboration that define Scottsdale.”
Employees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of previous award winners.
The big winner of the Herb Drinkwater Award: Scottsdale Police Chief Joseph LeDuc, who took over the city’s “top cop” position earlier this year.
He was honored “for his decades of leadership, community service and unwavering commitment to the Scottsdale community,” according to a press release.
“LeDuc serves on several regional and statewide boards supporting youth, crisis response and individuals with intellectual disabilities. He is widely respected for his compassionate leadership and deep commitment to public service.”
The Bill Donaldson Award went to Jonathan Montoya, a Human Services supervisor.
Montoya guided the city’s food bank through a major transition to a new facility while ensuring uninterrupted support for those in need, the release noted.
“Under his leadership, the food bank expanded donations, strengthened partnerships, improved volunteer coordination and enhanced service delivery.”
Mich Thomas received the William P. Schrader Volunteer Impact Award
He is a coach who “brings unmatched enthusiasm and heart to Scottsdale’s Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics Bobcats programs.
“He coaches multiple sports, mentors new volunteers and uses his creative skills to celebrate athletes’ achievements. His commitment strengthens the program and the broader community.”
The Unsung Hero Award was awarded to Horacio Ventura.
He is a Solid Waste Department equipment operator honored for “quiet compassion that embodies Scottsdale’s core values.
“After noticing a young driver struggling to repair a flat tire, Ventura stopped to help, guided the driver through the repair, completed the plug himself, and even paid for the air pump when the young man couldn’t. A resident later wrote to the city to share how much this simple act meant to her son.”
Employees across the city selected the Cactus Aquatics Team for their exemplary response during a life-threatening emergency. “Their calm coordinated efforts to administer CPR and emergency care reflected exceptional training and dedication. Their professionalism earned praise from Scottsdale firefighters and heartfelt gratitude from the community.”
Facilities professional Brian DeMeo was recognized for his “exceptional work modernizing and maintaining the Civic Center Library.
“His craftsmanship, responsiveness and proactive approach keep one of Scottsdale’s most visited public facilities safe, functional and welcoming.”
A “Thoughtful Innovation” award went to the SPARK Project Team in the City Attorney’s Office and Information Technology
The team modernized case management for the City Attorney’s Office by launching a real-time, automated and user-friendly platform that improves efficiency, transparency and customer service.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park project team was praised for completing two major additions — the Roundhouse indoor playground and a new splash pad.
“These enhancements expand year-round recreation opportunities and strengthen one of Scottsdale’s signature parks,” according to the release.
Kelsey Lamper, an Adaptive Services Operations supervisor, was recognized for “advancing accessibility and inclusion across the organization.
“She supported the development of Scottsdale’s refreshed ADA program, improved public engagement processes and ensured ASL interpretation for public meetings.”