Employee Service Awards December 17, 2013
Board of County Commissioner’s Today’s honorees are recognized for outstanding service and dedication
Administrative Services Fleet Management
Sandra L. Lyons 20 Years • Sandra was born in Dover, New Jersey and moved to Central Florida in 1977. • She graduated from Newton High School and has attended the Florida Fire College for fire inspection. • Sandra was hired in 1993 in Fleet Management where she started as a parts runner. • She was promoted to Data Entry Clerk, Fleet Management Specialist, Fiscal Coordinator, and is now the Warehouse Supervisor. • Sandra feels her biggest accomplishment has been rising through the ranks in a job traditionally filled by men.
Sandra Lyons - 20 Years • Sandra was greatly involved in the 2004 Hurricane recovery efforts. She ordered every possible supply item needed by the Community Action Response Teams. • She has been married to Joseph for 37 years (a retired County employee) and they have four children: Theresa, Laurie, Ruthie and Joey. • In her spare time, Sandra takes part in Civil War re- enactments with the Third Maine Civil War Unit. • She loves to go on cruises and has been to Honduras, Belize, Mexico and Costa Maya. • In her spare time, she volunteers with CARE, a cat rescue unit. *
James A. Justice 40 Years • James was born and raised in Orlando and graduated from Evans High School. • He was originally hired by the Sheriff’s Office in 1973, and in 1976 the Fleet Maintenance Unit moved under Orange County. • James holds an Emergency Vehicle Technician certification. • He was hired as a mechanic, has filled in for the Shop Foreman, and in 2005 promoted to Emergency Support Coordinator. • James is on the 24-hour service team for the Fire Department’s Rescue Unit vehicles and Fleet’s emergency generator.
James A. Justice - 40 Years • James was deployed for two weeks in Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina under the State’s Mutual Aid Agreement. • He has been with Sherry for 16 years, and has twin boys: Jimmy and Jeff; and one grandson: Hutch. • In his spare time, he enjoys drag racing, playing golf, and spending time with his family. *
Corrections Community Corrections
Reuben Leon Smith 20 Years • Reuben was born in Jersey City, NJ, attended Tidewater Community College, St. Leo’s College, and Florida Southern. • He served in the US Navy for 20 years, and is a retired Senior Chief Operations Specialist. • Reuben was hired by Orange County Corrections in 1993 as a Substance Abuse Counselor, promoted to Community Corrections Officer, and has facilitated critical and behavior modification courses.
Reuben Smith – 20 Years • Reuben was promoted to Community Surveillance Intake Officer in 1994. • He has held many positions, including: Program Coordinator, Classification/Case Management Unit Manager, Vocational Placement Counselor, Probation Officer, Drug Testing Officer, and is a Certified Hostage Negotiator. • Reuben was awarded two Community Corrections Orange Awards for the Local Jail Incarceration Program. • Reuben has been married to Mildred for 37 years and they have two children: Amanda and Christopher. • In his spare time, Reuben enjoys reading, bowling, billiards, basketball, and coaching. *
Beverly Denise Holmes 25 Years • Beverly was born in Ft. Pierce and moved to Orlando in 1963. • She graduated from Jones High School and attended Valencia Community College. • In 1988, she was hired as an Administrative Specialist in the Community Corrections Division. • In 1991, she was promoted to Community Corrections Aide. • She has worked as a Security Officer since receiving her license in 1993.
Beverly Holmes - 25 Years • Beverly has also earned her Real Estate License and a certification with H & R Block to prepare taxes. • She has been married to Richard for 27 years, and they have one son: Robert, a DeVry University graduate. • Beverly enjoys cruising, traveling to exotic countries and experiencing different cultures and foods. • She also enjoys writing poetry and reading romance novels. *
Corrections Security Operations
Roberto Cruz Jr. 20 Years • Roberto was born in Havana, Cuba and moved to Florida in 1970 and graduated from Winter Park High School. • He enlisted in the US Army in 1982 and served with the 3 rd Infantry Division in Germany, and 2 nd Armored Unit until 1986. • He earned the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct, and Overseas Service ribbon.
Roberto Cruz – 20 Years • Roberto was hired by Orange County Corrections in 1993. • He has been a member of the Honor Guard, Security Threat Group, and has served as a Field Training Officer, Fire Arms Instructor, and presently on the Jail Perimeter and Hospital team. • He has received numerous team work awards and letters of achievement. • Roberto has been married to Sally for 13 years, and they have one son: Matthew, 9 years old. • His hobbies include: volunteering with his church, collecting fire arms and rare coins and currency, and studying World War II history. *
Tracey Y. Fortune 20 Years • Tracey was born and raised in Orlando, graduated from Jones High School, and attended Valencia Community College. • She received her Corrections Certification from Lake County Vo-Tech. • Tracey was hired in 1993 as a Control Desk Monitor and worked in the Main Facility and Horizons. • In 1995, she was promoted to Youth Care Officer and worked at the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Tracey Fortune - 20 Years • Tracey was promoted in 1997 to Corrections Officer. • In 2008, she transferred to the Whitcomb Facility overseeing the inmate workers. • She currently works in Genesis with the GED and Life Skills Programs. • Tracey received special recognition for saving two youth offenders from committing suicide and numerous other awards throughout her career. • She has been married to Rosevelt for 27 years and they have three children: Terralynn, Rahmad, and Roshard. • Tracey enjoys reading, volunteering as a Team Mom for her son’s football team, and spending quality time with her family. *
Alfred Forenzo Watts 25 Years • Alfred was born and raised in Orlando, graduated from West Orange High School and served in the US Army. • He is a graduate of the Criminal Justice Institutes’ 31 st recruitment class and received the Board of Trustee’s Award. • In 1988, he was hired to work in E-Building of the Main Facility. • Alfred was later assigned to the Main Facility Pods to oversee the juvenile population.
Alfred Watts - 25 Years • Alfred has also worked the A-Shift, D-Building, Phoenix, and today serves on the Perimeter Security Team on the A-2 Squad. • He has received several Team Work Awards, Meritorious Service Awards, and commendations for excellence performance. • Alfred is a certified Master Correctional Officer and serves in the Department’s Honor Guard Unit. • He is also an Assistant Public Information Officer and has completed the FDLE Public Information Officer Course. • Alfred has been married to Forrester for 20 years, and they have two children: Ashton, Alston, and niece Shatreka. • In his spare time, Alfred has served as a mentor, coach, and defensive coordinator of the West Orange Wildcats. • He is currently assisting the Ocoee Bulldogs Pop Warner Football Association and enjoys playing golf. *
Family Services Head Start
Colette Renee Johnson-Thomas 20 Years • Colette was born in Terrytown, GA and moved to Central Florida in 1973. • She graduated from Jones High School, Columbia College, and is working on a master’s at Capella University for a degree in Mental Health Counseling. • She was initially hired by Orange County in 1993 to work in Head Start’s Health Unit where she was responsible for testing the children’s vision, dental health, and blood pressure.
Colette Johnson-Thomas – 20 Years • Colette was transferred to the Head Start Social Services Unit where she assisted parents in finding employment and educational services. • She was promoted to Senior Community Services Worker in the Disabilities Unit and is currently a Senior Community Services Supervisor. • She has assisted with the Completed Incredible Years Parenting Program that services families through Head Start and Corrections. • Colette is the co-founder of the Lady Ambassadors Mentoring Program which focuses on helping 4 th and 5 th grade girls get ready for Middle School. • She has three children: Shamella, Lorenzo, Jai, and one granddaughter: Ahri. • Colette’s hobbies include: Playing basketball, running, speed walking, reading, and playing with her granddaughter. *
Diana A. Lashley 20 Years • Diana was born in Barbados, West Indies, and moved to Orlando in 1993 after living in London and New York. • She graduated from Queens College, the School of Nursing in King Edward Memorial Hospital, London and Columbia College. • Diana is a State Registered Nurse in England, Wales, New York, and Florida. • She was hired by Orange County in 1993 to work in the Community Affairs Department.
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