Rochester Hills

City honors excellence

By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — Some city employees and local Eagle Scouts were honored recently for efforts deemed “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Deborah Hoyle, a financial analyst for the city, was named Rochester Hills 2012 Employee of the Year.

“Never in the history of doing this has there been unanimous support on the first vote” for Employee of the Year, said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett during a Jan. 14 City Council presentation.

“Debby is a breath of fresh air in a department that is governed by many rules, regulations and never-ending deadlines,” a proclamation reads. “Her positive attitude and constant smile (are) always uplifting to all around her.”

Rochester Hills Fire Department office administrator Deborah Happy, Rochester Hills Museum Director Patrick McKay and Building Department ordinance inspector Mark McLocklin were also recognized as outstanding employees.  

“It is an honor to come to work every day and know that you are going to be surrounded by good people who can help you out,” said McKay, who, along with McLocklin, also serves as a Rochester Hills Fire Department paid-on-call captain.

Rochester Hills City Council member Michael Webber presented four local Eagle Scouts proclamations for outstanding achievement.

Eagle Scouts Helaman Sanchez, Jack Silagusa, and brothers Chris and Matt Wilson aided in the beautification of Veterans Memorial Pointe and the restoration of a historic road grader.

Sanchez planted 15 trees at Veteran’s Memorial Pointe, at Livernois and Avon roads, replacing trees lost to the emerald ash borer. Silagusa developed a sitting area by the edge of the Clinton River at Veterans Memorial Pointe.

Chris and Matt Wilson restored a 1911 Hubert road grader, now on display at the city’s Department of Public Service Facility on Auburn Road.

“We are honored to recognize some outstanding students and leaders in our community,” Webber said.

“I can’t say enough about the Eagle Scout program,” said Ed Leafdale, Rochester Hills Department of Public Services general foreman, who spearheaded the development of Veterans Memorial Pointe in 1979.

“It has been really rewarding to me as well as the city,” Leafdale said. “For Veterans Memorial Park, the funds are limited out there, and what these young men have accomplished — I can’t begin to tell you how much myself and the veterans of the city appreciate their help. It is an honor to be working alongside them.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1065.