Extraordinary acts of kindness toward strangers they encountered while on the job have garnered Bristol First Awards for six employees of the City of Bristol, Tennessee.
The program recognizes City employees for special achievements and dedication to public service. Although typically awarded during City Council meetings, the latest awards were presented during an informal session at Slater Community Center because recent Council meetings have been conducted electronically. The awards are the result of nominations from community members and fellow employees.
Awards were presented to:
- Officer Frederick Gold of the Police Department, who was recognized for giving a spare pair of shoes kept in the trunk of his car to a man who wasn't wearing any. “It wasn't just the giving of the shoes, it was the way he talked to the man, showing him respect and treating him as I would expect our police officers to treat everyone they come into contact with,’’ the nomination from a community member stated.
- Officer Frederick Gold, Detective Christopher Odle, and Officer Kevin Frederick of the Police Department, who were nominated by a local minister who noticed the kindness they extended to a community member while notifying her of her mother’s death. “These three displayed exemplary compassion, respect, and professionalism in both their investigation of the death from natural causes and minimizing the distress to the family.”
- Officer Tianna Macias and Officer Chesney Roark, who were nominated by a fellow officer for purchasing a birthday card and gift for an autistic child in the community. The two also joined an organized group of police officers and firefighters who drove by the child’s house to wish him a happy birthday. “For all of us on shift that day, it was a simple gesture that we all enjoyed,” the nomination states. “I feel that Chesney and Tianna went above and beyond with the gifts.”
- Larry Mottern of the Division of Public Works, who was nominated by a local businessman who accidently left his bank deposit bag on top of his car before driving home one evening. Larry found the bag while operating a street sweeper and immediately turned it over to police. “It is comforting to be reassured about the great community we live in,” the businessman wrote in his nomination. “I certainly appreciate your people! Everything was accounted for.”
For additional information about the Bristol First program or to nominate a deserving City employee, please go to www.bristoltn.org/BristolFirst
