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Posted: May 13, 2005
Surrounded by family and co-workers, Public Safety Communications Operations
Coordinator Susan Carr was officially named the City of Plano 2005 Employee
of the Year by the Plano Rotary Club Thursday, May 12 during their weekly
luncheon at the Southfork Hotel.
“Susan is known as the most valuable person for the Public Safety
Communications Department,” said City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck, “and we say
today that she is the most valuable person for the City of Plano.”
An 18-year City of Plano employee, Mrs. Carr follows a family tradition of
working for the citizens of Plano, with her mother, father, sister, aunt and
uncle employed by the City over the years. Her husband, Kevin, is a Program
Analyst for the City.
The respect held for Mrs. Carr by her peers in Public Safety Communications
(PSC) was obvious from their nomination. Citing her as the “ultimate
professional” they lauded her as a role model and mentor, continually
exhibiting a conscientious, sympathetic, dedicated and encouraging work
ethic, with an underlying passion for looking at the bright side of things.
A bright and helpful attitude are valued assets in the PCS area. As the
first line of contact for emergencies, through the 9-1-1 network, PSC
personnel must have the ability to interface with persons in crisis, sending
appropriate Police and/or Fire response for assistance. From a bank robbery,
to a heart attack victim, to a routine call about where to pay a traffic
ticket, PSC personnel must always be at the top of their game, making Mrs.
Carr’s recognition by her peers even more impressive.
“Our PSC personnel are sometimes the un-sung heroes of City government,”
said PSC Director Ron Timmons. “They are able to maintain their composure
and work accurately under high stress situations and then move on to their
other responsibilities in life…as parents, in most instances. Susan is a
parent of two children and it is amazing that she is able to keep the
responsibility she does at work, with the extra efforts she puts in, and
still be such a great parent as well.”
An Employee of the Year Proclamation read by Plano Councilmember Steve
Stovall on behalf of the Mayor and City Council, recapped some of Mrs.
Carr’s achievements.
Notable was her involvement in a multi-year technology upgrade project,
helping to customize PSC computer applications to Plano’s high service
standards and usage demands. In addition to an impressive track record of
dedication and accomplishments during her 18-year tenure, she also maintains
certifications as an emergency medical dispatcher, emergency medical
technician, CPR and national Crime Information Center, serves on numerous
City committees and is an active volunteer for the City as well as her
church and children’s school.
“When I first started here, City Hall was half its size,” said Mrs. Carr.
“PSC didn’t even exist; we were just “dispatch” in the Police and Fire
Department. I’ve been with the City through several moves and renovations;
I’ve done four different computer systems and three different telephone
systems. Working for the City is truly a part of who I am…it’s basically
where I grew up. I hope that I can continue to be a positive influence in
the City and in my department and continue to bring recognition to PSC. Our
department is a lot of times the forgotten link in emergencies until someone
needs to call 9-1-1.”
Mrs. Carr thanked Department Manager Tammy Kennedy and Director Ron Timmons
for the opportunities she has had over the years crediting continuing
challenges, opportunities and her faith for helping her grow into the
employee she is today. “There are many other excellent employees within the
Department as well, too many to mention today,” she continued, “But without
their support, I would not be standing here accepting this great honor
today.”
Perhaps the Employee of the Year Proclamation best sums up what Mrs. Carr is
all about. “Susan’s loyalty to the citizens of Plano is her most commendable
attribute and the City of Plano is fortunate to have someone of Susan’s
dedication to our team and to our community and to our citizens. She is an
invaluable resource to the City of Plano.”
(It’s a family affair! Pictured above, from left to right, is City of Plano
Employee and husband, Kevin Carr; 2005 Employee of the Year Susan Carr;
Parents and former City of Plano employees Janet and Bill Sullivan.)
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