Outstanding DCR Employees Recognised

The Department of Community Rehabilitation (DCR) recently held an award ceremony to honour some of the department’s most committed and exceptional employees.

Probation Officer Simone Savage was selected as the 2017 Steven Smith Award recipient.

The Steven Smith award was initiated in recognition of pioneer Probation Officer Mr. Steven Smith, who served the department for approximately 40 years.

Since its inception in 2015, the award has been given to the Probation Officer in the Department of Community Rehabilitation who performed outstanding work throughout the year, demonstrated high professionalism and engaged in teamwork to provide a positive work environment.

Acting Chief Officer for the Ministry of Community Affairs, Teresa Echenique, who is seconded from her substantive position as Director of DCR, presented the awards to the employees.

“Ms. Savage is the third recipient of this award and so deserving of it,” Ms. Echenique said. “Her contributions as a probation officer are invaluable and her drive to make a significant difference in her everyday work and the clients she serves is inspiring.

During the staff event, Mr. Juan Ruiz and Ms. Michelle Spence were also honoured and received trophies for their outstanding efforts and dedication to the job.

“Mr. Ruiz was recognised as the Community Service Coordinator who gave excellent service and carried many responsibilities beyond his job description throughout the year,” Acting Director for DCR Lisa Malice states. “Ms. Spence served tirelessly and beyond the call of duty as our Executive Officer and was recently promoted to the post of Community Service Coordinator.”

She says recognising extraordinary employees and their accomplishments are essential to the pursuit of excellence as a department.

“At DCR we believe it is vital to celebrate the excellence and achievements of individuals who, in addition to making a significant positive impact in his or her department, provides significant time and contributions to the betterment of our local community,” Ms. Malice adds. “These recipients have been selfless in their attitudes and actions, exemplary team players, leaders outside the agency, valuable ambassadors and are major assets to our team.”