A Job Well Done
Few things are more rewarding than a job well done. All too often in local government these acts go unnoticed. Mistakes, errors, and shortcomings generate the buzz with local media and are magnified by those on social media. That’s unfortunate because there are many instances of excellence by the employees of Roanoke worth noting - whether achieved by one or through the accomplishment of many. This post will take a few moments to acknowledge a few such deeds.
Police Work
This past week saw a series of arrests for recent serious crimes committed in our city. These arrests don’t just happen, rather they are the result of hours and hours of intentional and careful investigation completed by the men and women of the Roanoke City Police Department. These investigations are often accompanied by coordinated apprehension of suspects, in these instances, including personnel from the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. Each of these arrests, while related to unfortunate and horrible acts of violence, are integral to justice being served and for an element of closure for the families of those that lost someone. A job well done RPD!
Compassionate Service
Recently Animal Warden Theresa Jenkins was called by a resident to assist with a wildlife issue. Seven ducklings had become trapped in a storm drain. Warden Jenkins took the time to ensure each of these ducklings were safely removed from the storm drain and placed in the care of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. A job well done Warden Jenkins!
Award Winning Communications
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic it was critical to share essential information about the virus and efforts that were in place to help mitigate its impact with area residents. One such effort recently received an award from the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The City of Roanoke received the 2021 Silver Summit Award for the Council Chats initiative led by our Communications and Engagement Team. Roanoke City residents had limited resources for information as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, causing them to rely on local media outlets, social media, and word of mouth for updates. City Council adopted “Strategic Plan – Star City Strong 2020-2021,” focused on strategic areas of importance: Education, Community, Safety, Human Services, Infrastructure, Good Government, Livability, and Economy. The City Manager and the Communications and Engagement Team worked with Council to create videos informing the public about the City’s response to each area. A job well done Communications and Engagement Team!
Leading Outside the Box
Jeffrey Powell, Director of General Services- that’s the Department that manages activities like Purchasing, Solid Waste, and Facilities Maintenance will be recognized for work he has been leading that is way outside his routine responsibilities. In July, Jeffrey will receive the Star City Cease Fire Award at 2022 National Roanoke Community Beautification Day in recognition of work he has led related to the City’s Star City Safe initiative. This effort which has brought departments across the city together to support the police in their anti-violence work by providing safe and productive activities for local youth including job skills training, employment, mentoring, after school athletics, extended library hours and much more. Jeffrey’s work is a direct response to the challenge his children placed before him-what are you doing to help stop the violence? A job well done Jeffrey!
This is but a glimpse of the exemplary work performed by city employees each and every day on behalf of the residents of this great city. I am honored to work alongside them and proud of the dedication they show to the Star City! Well done!
-- Bob Cowell