Agenda - 10-15-2002 - 5a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 2002 PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICERS OF THE YEAR Awardee Biographies Jim Orbich, Officer Chapel Hill Police Department Jim Orbich began employment with the Town of Chapel Hill in July 1991 as a Public Safety Officer. He attended the Chapel Hill Fire Academy and Basic Law Enforcement Training at the Chapel Hill Police Department and served as a team member on the department's Special Emergency Response Team from 1995 until 2001. He is a Specialized Instructor for Subject Control/Arrest Techniques and instructs in the departments BLET program as well as department in-service since December 1995. Jim is a handler in the department's K-9 Unit and works with a German Shepherd named "Xaro". Prior to employment with the town,Jim served in the United States Army as an Airborne Military Policeman for six years. He has been married to wife, Andrea, for ten years, and has two sons, Jacob age five and Luke age three. Dave Park, Chapel Hill Fire Department Dave Park started with The Chapel Hill Fire Department on October 7, 1999. He is originally from Ontario, Canada, and comes from a family of farmers (His father and his four brothers farmed over 10,000 acres of land in Canada.) Dave has received several letters of commendation during his service with The Chapel Hill Fire Department and received recognition as Firefighter of the Year in both Hillsborough and Chapel Hill Fire Departments. Additionally,he was one of the Firefighters recently awarded commendations for the rescue of a mother and 2 year old child out of a house fire. When not on duty, Firefighter Park enjoys working on construction projects and recently took over and fulfilled several projects that were unfinished by the late friend Peter Sznerch, a fallen Firefighter with the Chapel Hill Fire Department. Dave Park says he loves his job, "I can't imagine anything more important and am totally committed to it.' Dave is the father of two children, Ashley(a student at Southern Middle School in Graham) and DJ (a student at B. Everette Jordan Elementary School in Saxapahaw.) Dave's wife Pat works at Blue Cross/Blue Shield Matthew Dean, Carrboro Police Department Matthew Dean began work with the Carrboro Police Department in March 1995 as a patrol officer. He moved into Investigations in November 1998 and into his current assignment in the Community Services Division in August 2001. Matthew is originally from Houston,Texas and first came to area to attend LINC'. He graduated in December 1993 with a degree in International Studies. His position with the Carrboro Police Department is his first job in Law Enforcement. Matthew believes that "it is unfortunate that law enforcement is so important,but there are people determined to do harm to others. I believe society must have those that are willing and able to protect it and I am committed to that aspect of this career in particular." Matthew and wife Trish live in Durham, and expect their first child any day. Scott!Trombley, Carrboro Fire Department Scott Trombley started working for the Carrboro Fire Department on December 8, 1997 and was promoted to his current position of Fire Driver on April 26, 2001. Scott is originally from New York State and after military service,he settled in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area and worked as a brick mason for 15 years prior to joining the fire service. Fire Driver Trombley feels that his job is very important to the safety of the community and its people. HIS commitment to his job is very strong and he really enjoys his work. He is a single parent of a 13 year old son, Shannon, a student at McDougle Middle School. His Captain, Kent Squires, describes Scott as "A very dedicated employee, with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn. He is a devoted family man and always willing to come to the aid and assistance of anyone in need." Deputy Chief George adds that "Scott demonstrates a high degree of leadership and pride