At a Dec. 11 ceremony, the city of Scottsdale passed out awards to valued employees as well as volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur employees continue to show what effective public service looks like,\u201d City Manager Greg Caton said. \u201cThe work recognized in these awards highlights the skill, commitment and collaboration that define Scottsdale.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Employees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of previous award winners.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The big winner of the Herb Drinkwater Award: Scottsdale Police\u00a0 Chief Joseph LeDuc, who took over the city\u2019s \u201ctop cop\u201d position earlier this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He was honored \u201cfor his decades of leadership, community service and unwavering commitment to the Scottsdale community,\u201d according to a press release.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeDuc 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bill Donaldson Award went to Jonathan Montoya, a Human Services\u00a0 supervisor.<\/p>\n
Montoya guided the city\u2019s food bank through a major transition to a new facility while ensuring uninterrupted support for those in need, the release noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder his leadership, the food bank expanded donations, strengthened partnerships, improved volunteer coordination and enhanced service delivery.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mich Thomas received the William P. Schrader Volunteer Impact Award\u00a0<\/p>\n
He is a coach who \u201cbrings unmatched enthusiasm and heart to Scottsdale\u2019s Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics Bobcats programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe coaches multiple sports, mentors new volunteers and uses his creative skills to celebrate athletes\u2019 achievements. His commitment strengthens the program and the broader community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Unsung Hero Award was awarded to Horacio Ventura.<\/p>\n
He is a Solid Waste Department equipment operator honored for \u201cquiet compassion that embodies Scottsdale\u2019s core values.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter 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\u2019t. A resident later wrote to the city to share how much this simple act meant to her son.\u201d<\/p>\n
Employees across the city selected the Cactus Aquatics Team for their exemplary response during a life-threatening emergency. \u201cTheir 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Facilities professional Brian DeMeo was recognized for his \u201cexceptional work modernizing and maintaining the Civic Center Library.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHis craftsmanship, responsiveness and proactive approach keep one of Scottsdale\u2019s most visited public facilities safe, functional and welcoming.\u201d<\/p>\n
A \u201cThoughtful Innovation\u201d award went to the SPARK Project Team in the City Attorney\u2019s Office and Information Technology\u00a0<\/p>\n
The team modernized case management for the City Attorney\u2019s Office by launching a real-time, automated and user-friendly platform that improves efficiency, transparency and customer service.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park project team was praised for completing two major additions \u2014 the Roundhouse indoor playground and a new splash pad.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese enhancements expand year-round recreation opportunities and strengthen one of Scottsdale\u2019s signature parks,\u201d according to the release.<\/p>\n
Kelsey Lamper, an Adaptive Services Operations supervisor,\u00a0 was recognized for \u201cadvancing accessibility and inclusion across the organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe supported the development of Scottsdale\u2019s refreshed ADA program, improved public engagement processes and ensured ASL interpretation for public meetings.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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