Griselda Finestead, Administrative Assistant for the Fire Department, and Melvin McGuire, Police Captain, were named the Employees of the Quarter for July - September 2023.
Griselda Finestead began her journey with the city in March 2021 as a temporary registration clerk and public health administrative staff member, actively supporting vaccine and testing clinics during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing her dedication and potential, in May 2022, she was promoted to a full-time Administrative Assistant position in anticipation of the growing demands within the department for the Emergency Management program and ambulance services. Griselda has been instrumental in revitalizing and rebranding the CERT Program (Community Emergency Response Team), a group of dedicated volunteers trained to assist in disaster response. Under her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the program, membership has surged by an impressive 31%, and the number of qualified instructors has grown from one to nine, allowing for an increased capacity to deliver CERT training and prepare our community for emergencies.
Melvin McGuire, a distinguished Police Captain with over 33 years of service, began his remarkable journey within the Police Department as a Police Officer and steadily ascended the ranks to the esteemed position of Police Captain in August 2015. Captain McGuire's nomination for this award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public safety. He has been available around the clock, providing guidance, coordinating close patrol protection, and connecting citizens to victim assistance, no matter the time of day. Furthermore, his outstanding leadership in planning special events for the city from a safety perspective has been nothing short of exemplary. Colleagues who have worked alongside Captain McGuire for the past decade in organizing numerous large-scale community events have commended his indispensable role in ensuring the safety of thousands of citizens. He has leveraged his expertise in safety logistics and staffing levels, often being present on-site during these events. Notably, Captain McGuire has begun the process of transitioning the responsibilities for special events to other members of his team, making this the perfect time to acknowledge his remarkable contributions over the years.
The exemplary dedication of Griselda Finestead and Melvin McGuire were celebrated during the City Council meeting on November 13.
The City's Employee of the Quarter award is bestowed upon individuals who exemplify efficiency, transparency, honesty, innovation, and exceptional customer service, all aligning with the city's core values and ethics statement.