City Employees Bratton, Swafford, Vickery and Wilson Honored for Decades of Service; Public Works’ Genova Saluted Upon Retirement
June 10, 2009 by Catherine Sandstrom
Filed under Current News, Fire/Safety, Government
During presentation items at Monday’s meeting of the City Council of Big Bear Lake, a number of city employees were honored for their service to Big Bear Lake. First among those was Big Bear Lake Fire Department Engineer Lance Swafford, who has served the department for 25 years. Upon presentation of his 25-year pin from Fire Chief Rod Ballard, Swafford credited wife Eileen for her support and said, “I just love this community. What can I say? It’s a great place to work and live and, when we have disasters, this community pulls together.” Three employees of the Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power also received recognition, as each has been with the agency for 20 years, since it was implemented. Those acknowledged by DWP General Manager Joel Dickson were Steve Wilson, Russ Vickery and Robyn Bratton, who noted, “I’ve enjoyed working for the DWP; there’s never a dull moment. And I hope our current General Manager stays a long time.” The final employee presentation was to retiring city employee Joe Genova, described by Mayor Rick Herrick as “our Christmas party fun guy.” Come June 19, Genova leaves the Public Works Department, wherein he is the Landscaping Field Supervisor, and will move to Missouri. Public Works Superintendent Jerry Vantine said of Genova, “For the last 10 years, Joe has kept this city clean and beautiful. Everyone knows Joe. Everyone likes and respects Joe.” Following a standing ovation, Genova told the crowd at Hofert Hall, “It’s been the funnest job that I’ve had.”
Joe Genova (with Jerry Vantine and Rick Herrick) takes a moment, following a rousing standing ovation in his honor.
BBL Fire's Lance Swafford gets a congratulatory handshake from new Chief Rod Ballard, while wife Eileen, Assistant Chief Mark Mills and Mayor Herrick look on.
Related posts:
- City Council Did Not Name New Fire Chief at February 23 Meeting, But Did Honor Public Servants
- City Council Thanks Santa, Volunteers and Employees, Pursues Fishing Dock Funding, and Bans Marijuana Dispensaries
- Jerry Vantine Honored at City Council & Master Plan for Non Motorized Transportation Presented
- Community Services District Recognizes Employees Booth and Musella; District’s Water Master Plan Will Not Be Available for Public Review This Month
- City and DWP to Discuss City Charter Amendment for Board Requirements
After graduating from BBHS, Catherine moved to Los Angeles to attend Loyola Marymount University. In her 20 years off the mountain, most recently in Manhattan Beach, Catherine's career has included publishing, broadcasting, public relations and public education; she served as KBHR's News Director from April 2007 to July 2010.
