On February 24, the Mayor and City Manager recognized a set of exceptional employees who performed above and beyond expectations in 2020, particularly in the face of challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations to all of our award recipients!
Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Duross, 2020 Employee of the Year
Kevin has served 16 years with the Biddeford Fire Department and was honored this year both for his role as the City’s point person for COVID-19-related needs as well as his ongoing dedication to his role at the Fire Department.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first reached our community, Kevin stepped up and took on the extra work to help the employees of this City get critical information about the virus that helped us make decisions on how to proceed. As the liaison between the City and Maine EMS, he has played a key role in developing and implementing procedures to help keep City staff safe and healthy.
“Kevin is always willing to step up and help to get things done, and he always tried to do what is right for the employees of the Fire Department, the City, and the citizens of this City,” said Fire Chief Scott Gagne. “He is very knowledgeable in his job and makes good decisions on emergency scenes. He has always been the person that you can lean on when you need help.”
Director of Code Enforcement Roby Fecteau, Management Team Award
In his role as the Code Enforcement Director, Roby was responsible for shifting the Code Enforcement Office to a remote inspection system at a time when development in the city has not slowed. At the same time, Roby also serves as the City's Emergency Management Director. He has been the City's liaison with the Maine CDC and York County Emergency Management for information about COVID-19.
IT Director Jerry Gerlach, Technical Professional Award
When a decision was made that City Hall was going to close to the public and the number of employees in the building at one time was to be limited, Jerry had to jump into action to set up employees to be able to work remotely within days. His knowledge of our systems and his assistance with technology was a key reason we were able to stay operational and responsive to citizen needs throughout the worst of the pandemic.
General Assistance Caseworker Katie Duross, Customer Service Award
Katie ran the General Assistance Office by herself for three months in 2020, during which time she addressed issues that were unique to the pandemic, singlehandedly managed ongoing programs, worked on the 2020 Election, and spearheaded the City’s historically largest Holiday Giving Tree program.