Tommy Machac
Police
When Greg Gallop and his wife tried to resolve a case of identity theft, they were treated like criminals, furthering the initial abuse and humiliation cased by the loss of their identity.
They became more leery as they met resistance each step of the way, Gallop wrote.
Finally they reached Tommy Machac, who took their statement and started a file. Machac was great, Gallop wrote.
“He treated us like we were the only people who came in to file that night.”
The case was handed over to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office before it was resolved, but Gallop wrote that Machac his wife and him feel like respected people again.
Taylor Bales, Andrew Bird, Chris Bodin, William Fenley, Kirk Henderson, Mario Lozano, Matthew Rogers, Samuel Thomson, Marcel Warner, Kimberly Wolenski
Fire
Her 30-year-old son was having chest pains, wrote Marcella Cottrell, a nurse. She called 911.
Within 15 minutes, a fire engine, an emergency medical squad and an ambulance arrived and whisked he son off to the emergency room, Cottrell wrote. He was diagnosed with kidney stones.
“These people did an outstanding job,” she wrote. “They were courteous, caring, efficient and very professional.
“WAY TO GO!!!”
Scott Setter
Public Works & Engineering
When Odyssey Homes built its first house in Houston, the firm passed all the building inspections the first time thanks to inspector Scott Setter, wrote president Aamer Khan
“Mr. Setter took the time to explain the inspection process at every stage,” Khan wrote. “As I was unaware of some of the requirements within the city limits, Scott has been a big help.”
Khan called him polite, courteous, informative and incredibly helpful.
Dan Doherty, Jonathan Michaels, Traci Witt and Rudy Velazquez
Legal
Dan Doherty, Jonathan Michaels, Traci Witt and Rudy Velazquez successfully fought a replatting request for town homes that violated neighborhood deed restrictions, wrote Gordon Goss, president of East Lawndale/Wayside Superneighborhoods No. 64 and 88.
“It would have been impossible for us to hire an attorney,” Goss wrote. “If the city’s legal department had not used their talent and resources those town homes would have jeopardized the fabric of our community.”
“It’s at times like this that I know my tax dollars are going to good use for our communities.”
Russell Clark
Convention & Entertainment Facilities
Russell Clark impressed the SpawGlass Construction employees who worked on a Jones Hall project that offered unique and challenging obstacles.
Clark’s knowledge and willingness to listen made the difficult problems easier, wrote Eric Pearson, project manager.
“Russ’ professionalism, as well as his attention to detail, has served the city well,” Pearson wrote. “Russ truly has the city’s best interests in mind.”
Belinda Cohen
Finance & Administration
Donna Rankin was frustrated. For two months she couldn’t get anyone at the city to respond to her pleas for help. After eight phone calls, she was getting passed around like a hot potato, Rankin wrote.
Then she reached Belinda Cohen, who followed up on her request and called Rankin right back. Soon, the problem was fixed.
“I would like you to know how much it has meant to me for you to follow through,” Rankin wrote. “You are an asset to your employers and have set an example of what the city needs in their employees.”
Abel Maldonado
Human Resources
C. Desoto called Abel Maldonado with benefits questions related to her husband’s recent death. Maldonado answered her questions clearly, and his knowledge of employee benefits was immense, Desoto wrote.
Later, Desoto took a job with the city and again called Maldonado with questions about her own benefits. Again, he thoroughly answered her questions and explained her options.
“It’s good to know there is quality staff to go to for help,” she wrote. “He is truly an asset to your department.”
Carl Williams
Public Works & Engineering
“I congratulate the city water division for having Carl Williams as a customer service representative,” wrote Sarah Zeinelabdin.
When Zeinelabdin needed a letter verifying service, Williams was efficient and timely, she wrote.
“I rate him 11 out of 10.”