Howlett recognized

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Wayne “J.R.” Howlett Jr. was honored as the city of Presque Isle’s 2012 Employee of the Year during the annual Employee Appreciation Banquet held Sept. 27. City Manager Jim Bennett hosted the event, with the help of Deputy City Manager Martin Puckett.
“This was the second annual event. There has been a great response to the new tradition. The guest of honor is the Employee of the Year, with each department honoring outstanding individuals with service awards. Retirees are also recognized at this time,” said Bennett.
Howlett has been employed by the city for nearly two decades.
“J.R. has 18 years of service with the Public Works Department and a wealth of knowledge regarding all facets of the department. He works as mechanic, equipment operator and truck driver. His extensive experience was extremely valuable as interim foreman during the transition made in management of the Public Works Department over the past year,” said Bennett.
“J.R.’s knowledge and ability are phenomenal. He always has the best interest of the city at heart,” said Deputy Public Works Director Larry DeMerchant.
Howlett was praised for his dedication and ability to handle multiple tasks.
“J.R. is a total package. He consistently goes above and beyond, is a dedicated employee and always maintains a positive attitude,” said Bennett.
Several other individuals from the various city departments were also recognized at the dinner and included:
• Presque Isle Police Department — Kevin Schumacher, Officer Employee of the Year; Merle Antworth, Civilian Employee of the Year; Eric Erickson, Administrative Excellence Award; and Cole Chandler, Distinguished Service Award;
• Presque Isle Fire Department — Grant Spinney and Vince Baldwin both received an Above and Beyond Award;
• Public Services Department — Larry DeMerchant and Sandra Fournier both received a Star Excellence Award;
• Finance Department — Deb Ouellette was the recipient of the Above and Beyond Award;
• Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library — Lisa Neal-Shaw was presented the Excellence in Innovation Award; Dianna Leighton, Excellence in Service to Youth and Community; and Richard Asam, Excellence in Historical Preservation; and
• Recreation and Parks Department — Garrett Belanger received the Star Excellence Award.
“Firefighter Gerald Cousins was honored for his retirement after 25 years of faithful service,” noted Bennett.
Service awards were also presented to the following employees, in recognition of incremental milestones in the employ of the city.
Honored for five years of service were: Richard Asam, Cole Chandler, Sloan Dionne, Christopher Hayes, Christina Olsen, Deborah Ouellette, Kevin Reed, Lisa Shaw and Priscilla Webb.
Recognized for 10 years of service were: Garrett Belanger, Lynn Hartley, Jack McLean, Kevin Schumacher and Clayton Turner.
Marking 15 years of service to the city were: David Easler and Thomas King.
Rounding out the list of honorees were Dean Doody and Vicki Kinney, who were both honored for 20 years of service to the city.