Although all eight received awards and recognition the week before, Johnson County Judge Chris Boedeker made a point to publicly honor the recipients during Monday’s Johnson County Commissioners Court meeting.
“While I have the microphone with me, I would like to publicly recognize our eight provincial employees who received the Star Employees Award at our provincial Christmas party last week,” Boedeker said. “They represent employees who went above and beyond the call of duty and made a positive impact on the workplace and the province.”
Elected officials and/or department heads nominate candidates for the award, Boedeker explains. From that list of submitted nominees, a committee consisting of various provincial employees selects the recipients of the award.
“This is your opportunity, as an elected official or department head, to recognize the best and brightest in your office,” the nomination form for Star employees reads.
Nomination categories include public safety sector and non-public safety employee sector.
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Kevin George and Cpl. Kyle Graham received the award for the public safety category, nominated by JCSO Chief Deputy James Saulter and JCSO Sgt. Matthew Cook respectively.
Saulter spoke of George’s dedication to working on patrol and willingness to step in when the office falls short.
“Lt. George is the first to voluntarily take on additional responsibilities, even when his plate is already full,” said Saulter.
Saulter went on to call George an asset to the county and praised his “unwavering commitment to serving our community.”
In characterizing Graham as a valuable member of JCSO and an asset to county residents, Cook cited Graham’s actions on Oct. 28.
During a traffic stop near Grandview that day, a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper came into contact with a powdery substance of unknown make.
“This caused the officer to fall to the ground on the side of the road,” Cook said. “The soldier radioed for help and had difficulty breathing and remained alert.”
Graham, who was nearby, responded to the scene where he found the trooper face down in a ditch and in and out of reaction. Graham administered Narcan, which helped, but the soldier still needed medical attention. Graham remained at the scene and detained the suspects while continuing to monitor the trooper until paramedics arrived. Rescuers took the soldier to hospital, where he made a full recovery.
“I believe that the actions of Cpl. Graham prevented a further deterioration of the situation [the trooper’s] condition, which could have been fatal,” Cook said.
Non-Public Safety Winners
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Clerk Margarita DeLeon was among the recipients.
Wait times and lines were long during early voting, said Nikki Ashley of the same office. During that time, DeLeon regularly walked the line to ensure the safety of elderly and disabled residents waiting to vote.
“Her smile and caring heart to help Johnson County voters allowed us to vote early when our location was extremely busy,” Ashley said.
Purchasing agent Lance Anderson appointed custodian Sammy Ramos from the Facilities Management Department.
“Sammy does a great job keeping the building spotless,” Anderson said. “She carries out her work efficiently and calmly and always ensures that her cleaning does not interrupt ongoing meetings or the work of others.
“She greets everyone in the building in a pleasant manner and is a calm and pleasant presence that is much appreciated. We are so lucky to have her.”
Commissioner Larry Woolley nominates Sandra Long, office manager in Precinct 4.
Long began her current assignment in Precinct 4 in 2015, but also worked in the county auditor’s office eight years earlier. Woolley called her the epitome of customer service.
“I often get calls telling me how helpful and kind Sandra was to people with special needs,” Woolley said. “Sandra goes the extra mile every day to meet the needs of our customers and taxpayers.”
Woolley mentioned Long’s many duties and noted that Long’s appointment was not made by him alone, but by consensus of the entire Precinct 4 staff.
“She is definitely the glue that holds this operation together,” Woolley said.
Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Judge Robert Shaw appointed Kathy Osier, the chief clerk of his office.
During her 22 years at Pct. 4. Shaw touted her expertise in case review, case preparation, document review and her coordination between the office, law enforcement and mental health providers.
Johnson County Court by Law No. 2 Judge Steve McClure appointed court reporter Karen Jones.
McClure spoke of Jones’ positive energy and efficient organization in all aspects of her work, adding that Jones is the court reporter in the history of Court No. 2.
“She has participated in and shaped the court administration processes and procedures over the years,” McClure said. “Her knowledge and experience help bring fairness and consistency to our litigation.
“She helped me enormously when I started my first term. I was able to start running instead of scrambling to get my bearings. I count on her every day. I have never doubted that she understands the big picture of Court 2.”
Also nominated by Anderson was Alissa Krokum, senior buyer in the purchasing department.
Improvements to Krokum’s requirements for county bids and proposals have resulted in greater effectiveness and efficiency, Anderson said.
“She also handled travel for the entire province in recent years and has taken a lot of responsibility for getting provincial employees where they need to go and getting their reimbursements done for them in an efficient manner,” Anderson said. “She resolves problems professionally, resolves issues effectively and ensures that all internal customer needs are met on a daily basis. We are so grateful that Alissa is part of the purchasing process.”
