JoAn Churchill, Alexander’s Employee of the Year

JoAn Churchill was named the City of Alexander’s Employee of the Year at the second annual awards dinner. Churchill serves as Office Manager, Accountant and Executive Assistant to the Mayor. Mayor Paul Mitchell presented her with a diamond-shaped crystal plaque and certificate which reads, “In recognition for outstanding achievement and excellence.”

(Photo above) Mayor Paul Mitchell (R) presents 

Employee of the Year plaque and certificate to JoAn Churchill.

“I have her do a lot of stuff that’s not really in her realm,” Mitchell said. “She’s always there way after hours (off the time clock).”

Prior to the awards ceremony Mitchell said, “I can’t do what I do without you guys. You make it all happen.”

“The City of Alexander for the first time in many, many years … has the right people, at the right places, at the right time,” he said. “We can’t change overnight but we’re working on it.”

There were approximately 30 to 40 people in attendance at the ceremony held at the Alexander First Baptist Church Friday, September 29. The dinner was catered by Jordon’s and paid for by Mayor Mitchell.

Mitchell announced he will be retiring from AT&T November 2. He said he’ll be able to spend more time at city hall, “If my wife let’s me.”

(Photo Left) Mayor Paul Mitchell (R) presents Job Excellence plaque and certificate to Police Chief Robert Burnett.
“He has come in and taken this department to a really, really higher level,” Mitchell said of Burnett.

(Photo Right) Before presenting Fire Chief Mark “Gator” Ridgeway (L) with the Job Excellence plaque and certificate Mayor Mitchell praised Chief Ridgeway for the various improvements in the department including being rated for full-time operation. That makes Alexander the third city in Saline County rated to provide full-time service; Benton and Bryant being the other two. The certificate reads, “In recognition for outstanding achievement and excellence.”

(Photo Left) Mayor Paul Mitchell (R) presented a Job Excellence certificate to street department employee Rod Chapman. Mitchell complimented Chapman on his willingness to perform any task asked of him.

The certificate reads, “In recognition for outstanding achievement and excellence.”

Officer of the Year

(Photo Above) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presented Officer Jessica Hill with the Officer of the Year award. Chief Burnett said Officer Hill earned the award for, “taking on extra duties such as senior BAC (Arkansas State Standard Breathalyzer machine) operator, e-crash system administrator, K9 officer, FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests, planning of the annual National Night Out and more.”

Four

other officers

received awards

(Photo Above) Reserve Officer 

Nick Salyers received a 

Certificate of Appreciation award.

(Photo left) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presenting a Certificate of Appreciation 

award to Reserve Officer Justin Potter.

“In Appreciation for Outstanding Service to the City of Alexander Police Department,” the certificates state. “We recognize the personal sacrifices you encounter as a volunteer law enforcement officer. Your consistent superior performance above and beyond the call of duty, along with your contributions to the Alexander Police Department Patrol Division are greatly appreciated. Your devotion to the citizens and to the community is a great asset to this department.”

(Photo right) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presenting an Award of Excellence Service plaque to Officer Nick Johnson.

Chief Burnett said Officer Johnson, “was awarded for job excellence and his continued hard work getting the city up to code.”

(Photo left) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presenting an Award of Excellence Service plaque to Sgt. McKiever.

Chief Burnett said Sgt. McKiever received the award, “for taking over the responsibilities of Sgt. over the full time officers, the position of Sgt. over the reserve officers and handling the Assistant Chief duties while the Assistant Chief is on deployment.”

Three firefighters promoted

(Photo left) Fire Chief Ridgeway (L) presenting a Certificate of Promotion to Assistant Chief Noah Harrison.

(Photo below) Fire Chief Ridgeway (L) presenting a Certificate of Promotion to Captain Robert Hawkins.

All three certificates state, “In recognition of his demonstrated leadership and service.”

(Photo above) Fire Chief Ridgeway (L) 
presenting a Certificate of Promotion 
to Captain Justin Potter.

Surprise!

  

In a surprise presentation JoAn Churchill (L) presented Alderwoman Juanita Wilson with a gift in appreciation for the time she donates at city hall; filling-in doing various tasks when someone isn’t available.