City names top employees

SOUTH PORTLAND — At its annual recognition breakfast Nov. 28, South Portland recognized six standouts among nearly 300 employees in 16 municipal departments.

"It's important for us to take an opportunity for us to step away from our normal routine to recognize our peers for the outstanding jobs they are doing on a day-to-day basis, along with those who have really stood out," said City Manager Jim Gailey.

Service Above and Beyond Award: Given to a city employee who provides “exceptional delivery of service,” this award was presented to parks department employee Darrell Parker. “Darrell brings a great attitude, work ethic and dedication to the job,” said Parks and Recreation Director Rick Towle. “He has demonstrated initiative, unwavering commitment and professional competence in helping the city of South Portland meet the needs of its customers.”

Day-to-Day Excellence Award: Given for the production of “high quality and high quantity,” this honor went to Denis Brkic, hired a little more than a year ago as custodian of City Hall and the Assessor’s Office, who will soon transfer to similar duties at the Public Safety Building. “Denis has not disappointed,” said Human Resources Director Don Brewer. “He has exceeded expectations in a big way every single day he comes to work.”

Ge Erskine "Can-Do" Award: Named for South Portland’s director of public works for 20 years to 1999, this award recognizes employees who maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenged. Kimberly Campbell, recently promoted to head of youth services at the public library began work where as an on-call substitute more than a decade ago. “Her kind, happy and generous attitude is a huge asset to both the department and the city,” said Library Director Kevin Davis. “For me, she has been a dependable source of thoughtful and constructive feedback through some very trying times within the department.”

Leadership by Example Award: Given to someone who shows “leadership by teamwork, innovation, risk-taking, quality customer focus and structure of work,” this award went to another parks and recreation staffer, Sarah Neuts. As operations manager at the department, Neuts worked with agencies in and out of city government to realize cost savings in several projects throughout the year, including the Liberty Ship Memorial update, Mill Creek Park Phase I renovations and playground construction at the Wainwright Field Complex, said Towle. “She shows each day how by being reliable, trustworthy and ethical, public trust is earned,” he added.

Team Award: Given to individuals who “pool talents to get the job done,” this year’s team award was presented to police officers Peter MacVane and Robert Scarpelli. “With Peter valiantly battling cancer, Office Scarpelli took it upon himself to work with him to learn all the countless duties of the court officer,” said Police Chief Ed Googins, noting that MacVane, who remains “steadfast in his dedication to the job” despite five years fighting cancer, “has attained a level of knowledge and effectiveness that surpasses the average employee” in the steps needed to successfully process cases through the system. “I cannot think of two people more deserving of this award,” said Googins. “Both have approached this challenge with dedication, perseverance and a grace that is exemplary.”

City Manager’s Award: A fire service employee, Deputy Chief Miles Haskell, won this award for “selfless giving of time and energy for the betterment of South Portland.” Hired in 1973 as a provisional firefighter for $125 per week, Haskell has, for the past several years, led the department's fire prevention and code enforcement division. “His integrity and honesty as well as his dependability is second to none,” said Gailey, noting that, in addition to his regular duties, Haskell has continued to serve as a volunteer with the Willard Hose Company for more than 40 years.”