City of Heath recognizes Employees of the Year

Named 2019 Departmental Employees of the Year were from left; Ashley Ferrell, Community Development; Officer Dallas Talley, Department of Public Safety; City Secretary Norma Duncan, Administrative Services; and Larry Dunham, Public Works.

City of Heath City Manager Aretha Adams, left, and Heath DPS Chief Terry Garrett, right, presented DPS Officer Robert Howard with the 2019 Employee of the Year Award during the staff Christmas party on December 13. Officer Howard is recognized for going out of his way as a School Resource Officer to support Heath’s elementary schools and build relationships with students, staff and parents.

The City of Heath staff Christmas party held on Dec. 13 offered many treats including a private sneak peak of the new South Ridge venue opening soon, a delicious lunch catered by Standard Service – the anchor restaurant, games, prizes and employee awards.

Heath Department of Public Safety Officer Robert Howard earned the top honor as 2019 Citywide Employee of the Year in recognition of his exemplary work in the community as a School Resource Officer at Linda Lyon, Amy Parks and Dorothy Pullen Elementary Schools.

Departmental Employee of the Year awards were presented to staff members who also went above and beyond in 2019. Achieving this recognition were: City Secretary Norma Duncan, Administrative Services Department; Utilities Division Supervisor Larry Dunham, Public Works Department; Permit Technician Ashley Ferrell, Community Development Department; and Officer Dallas Talley, Department of Public Safety.

“We are pleased to honor these employees for their excellent work ethic and commitment to serving our customers, the citizens of Heath,” said City Manager Aretha Adams as the awards were presented. “I want each of you to know how much you are valued by me, your department directors, the mayor and council, and the community. Thank you for all that you do.”

Officer Robert Howard, 2019 Citywide Employee of the Year
Officer Howard was hired by the City of Heath in 2018 and quickly demonstrated a unique level of care, expertise and concern for both the students and faculty he serves as a School Resource Officer at Heath’s elementary schools.

“Officer Howard genuinely cares about each student he serves and protects, as you can see in this photo,” said Chief Terry Garrett as he presented the award and displayed a photo of Officer Howard walking down the hallway with two young students. “Almost daily we receive praise from both parents and faculty who have the pleasure of interacting with Officer Howard.”

In fact, Linda Lyon Principal, Megan Gist, submitted the following comments in support of Officer Howard being named City of Heath Employee of the Year:

“Officer Robert Howard is the best School Resource Officer any school could hope to have on their team. He is professional, courteous, kind, compassionate, and consistent. He works to build relationships with students, staff, and parents, and he goes out of his way to support us in any way that he can. His decisions are sound, and he maintains a sense of calm in every situation. He is professional yet personable, kind yet firm, and he represents both the City of Heath and Rockwall ISD with honesty, integrity, and pride. We are so incredibly blessed to have him on our team!”

Additionally, the following City staff members were honored at the Christmas party for their tenure in Heath:

5 Years of Service
Brandon Seery, DPS Officer
David Florance, DPS Officer

15 Years of Service
BJ White, Public Works Department

Submitted press release by the City of Heath.

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