Good Job
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About 20 minutes later, Officer V.G. Vela drove up behind them on his motorcycle. He’d already contacted a wrecker, Vela told them, and then he stayed with them until the car was loaded onto the wrecker.

“We witnessed a Houston police officer who not only had done his job in a professional manner, but he also seems to have blended himself into the mainstream of society,” Amsler wrote. “We respect this because it represents life’s greatest enrichments.”

Lloyd Segall
Legal
Over the past three years, 40 Fulbright & Jaworski associates have participated in the Attorney Loan Program, in which they gain courtroom experience by prosecuting cases in municipal courts.

“Every participant has been enthusiastic about the opportunity and has greatly enjoyed the thinking on your feet real trial experience,” wrote partner Nancy Locke.

Their positive experiences are mostly due to the training and guidance provided by Lloyd Segall, Locke wrote. “Our associates have expressed their admiration for Mr. Segall’s knowledge and skill, not only regarding law and procedure, but also regarding strategies and insights for handling the tremendous morning dockets, plea bargaining and trials.

“Perhaps more importantly, he is willing and extremely able to teach them.”

B.A. Goldsby, R.V. Wilson
Police
While he was on his way for an out-of-town funeral, Cheryl DuBose’s boyfriend noticed their bikes had been stolen. DuBose told him she’d make the report after she got out of her grad school classes.

On her way home from class and before she had reported the theft, she spotted her bike at a Texaco a few blocks from her apartment. It was lying on its side with a backpack on it, DuBose wrote. She thought about picking it up and putting it her car, but she was scared of what might happen if she tried. She’d seen two police cars nearby and decided to ask them for assistance.

Officer G.A. Goldsby and Sgt. R.V. Wilson followed her, but when they arrived her bike was gone. Goldsby and Wilson told her they’d stay on the lookout for it, DuBose wrote.

Almost immediately, they spotted the bike being ridden on the other side of the gas station.

“It ended up being quite a day for the officers,” DuBose wrote. “Several arrests were made.”

After arresting that man and three others, the officers spotted DuBose’s boyfriend’s bike lying on the ground. So they stopped and picked that one up, too, DuBose wrote.

“This letter is to say something that’s probably not said enough – thank you,” DuBose wrote. “Thank you, Officer Goldsby. Thank you, Sgt. Wilson. And thank you, police chief, for employing them.”

Gary Carico, Richard Clark, Alejandro Espositio, Hilario Flores, Carlos Garcia, Russell Gilbreath, Steve Girardi, Madison Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Berhe Kelati, Herman Magana, Eric Ward, Keith Weynandt
General Services
An elevator motor malfunction on Friday afternoon sent smoke into the upper floors of HPD’s headquarters, forcing an evacuation, wrote Chief Harold Hurtt.

Gary Carico, Richard Clark, Alejandro Espositio, Hilario Flores, Carlos Garcia, Russell Gilbreath, Steve Girardi, Madison Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Berhe Kelati, Herman Magana, Eric Ward and Keith Weynandt worked tirelessly to remove contaminants from the building. By Monday morning, employees were able to return to their regular desks.

“Because of the uncompromising professionalism and dedication demonstrated by these employees, HPD’s service to the public continued uninterrupted throughout the incident and the restoration efforts,” Hurtt wrote. “The hard work and spirit of cooperation of these employees exemplify the highest standards in public service.”

Michael Johnson
Aviation
When Billie Newton lost his luggage while changing flights at Bush Intercontinental Airport, Michael Johnson helped recover it, Newton wrote.

“He is the kind of professional I would have on my team,” Newton wrote. “He was professional, knowledgeable and courteous. I commend the city on its hiring practices.”

Herman Franklin Jr., Carl Hughes, Wayne Phillips
General Services
On short notice, Herman Franklin Jr., Carl Hughes and Wayne Philips moved furniture and equipment from the Kashmere Multi-Service Center into storage at three different clinics, wrote W. Henry. Then Phillips and Franklin moved furniture into the Northeast Multi-Service Center.

“They did an outstanding job,” Henry wrote.

Christopher Dammel, William Goodroe, Richard McCarthy, Michael Mosley, Tony Trinidad
Fire
Although Bruce Thomas had been sick for five days, he thought his stomachache would soon pass. At lunch, he struggled to take part in the conversation. Somehow he managed to get through the meal and drive home.

That night, as Thomas was leaving a mandatory rodeo committee meeting at Reliant Center, a friend noticed he didn’t look right. “And I assure you, I didn’t feel right,” Thomas wrote.

During a field test, he couldn’t walk and had trouble forming words. “By the time 911 was called, it was obvious I was in trouble,” Thomas wrote.

Christopher Dammel, William Goodroe, Richard McCarthy, Michael Mosley and Tony Trinidad came to the rescue. They were confronted with an incoherent, severely distressed 49-year-old man who was scared to death. No one knew what was wrong, Thomas wrote.

“I remember very little after the initial transport to the hospital,” Thomas wrote. “I just recall the guys doing all they could to calm me and reassure me that help was not far away. They were so professional, and they treated me with courtesy and compassion.”

Eventually, he was diagnosed with West Nile Encephalitis, Thomas wrote. He spent five days in intensive care, three in a coma.

“Thank you to this wonderful team for helping keep me alive and for handling such a wild case with extreme restraint and professionalism,” he wrote. “These guys stand out as examples of the professionals we admire, respect and hold in such high regard.”

Abel Maldonado
Human Resources
When M. Richardson moved from Police to Housing & Community Development, Abel Maldonado’s experience, knowledge and counseling saved him a lot of money.

“You are indeed customer-friendly,” Richardson wrote.

Mark Kasten
Human Resources
Over the past two years, Mark Kasten has provided exceptional service, wrote Thomas and Marianne Nguyen.

“He has always given us clear explanations regarding insurance benefits,” they wrote. “He’s taken extra steps to help us when we were so confused with the different health plans.

“We hope the city will have more staff members like him.”

Natalie DeLuca
Legal
The members of the Scott Terrace Civic Association are used to hearing stiff, formal presentations. While Natalie DeLuca’s was professional, it was also more accessible, association members wrote.

“What’s the difference? The body language was warm, and the presentation was to and with the audience, not at the audience,” they wrote.

“The meeting is over, but the positive comments are still coming.”

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