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.”
