2013 Team Member of the Month Archives

January 2013

Sergeant Danielle Heil

Sergeant Danielle Heil, Missouri State Highway Patrol, has been selected as the January, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Sgt. Heil was selected for this award for the tireless dedication that she has exhibited toward combating the illicit sales of synthetic marijuana and bath stitles in Missouri, and is recognized as one of the state’s most recognized law enforcement experts on the distribution and use of these substances. Sgt. Heil was instrumental in producing a training video for law enforcement and a PowerPoint presentation for school officials, community leaders, and parents to assist with detecting usage, as well as educating on the hazards that are associated with the use of synthetic marijuana and bath stitles.

February 2013

Jeanette Wiggins

Jeanette Wiggins, Processing Technician III within the Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) Program of the Office of the Director, has been selected as the February, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Jeanette was selected for this award for the leadership skills that she not only exhibits on a daily basis but lend themselves to speak volumes toward the success of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program that recently transferred to the CVC Program and assigned to Jeanette. When Jeanette received SAFE, it had little to no structure with an overwhelming backlog. Jeanette’s initiative to develop and implement the SAFE Program paved the way to what is now a very successful, well ran program with no backlog. The responsibilities that Jeanette assumed with SAFE were in addition to her typical programmatic responsibilities within CVC, which further demonstrate the caliber employee that Jeanette is. Whatever is needed, you know you can not only count on Jeanette but that you can count on Jeanette to give 110%.

March 2013

Steve Devine

Steve Devine, Special Assistant within the Interoperable Communications Section of the Office of the Director, has been selected as the March, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Steve was selected for this award for his extensive involvement with the Missouri Statewide Interoperability Radio Network (MOSWIN) project from its inception (January, 2009). Steve has been involved in every aspect of the build and development of the MOSWIN project, with consistent enthusiasm and dedication. Steve put in countless hours and countless miles to meet with interested agencies throughout the entire state in order to add them to MOSWIN. Steve’s commitment and contributions are very much attributable to the success of build-out phase of the MOSWIN project.

April 2013

Sgt. Nicholas Berry

Cpl. Kyle Easley

Sgt. Nicholas Berry and Cpl. Kyle Easley, Missouri State Highway Patrol, have been selected as the April, 2013 Employees of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Sgt. Berry and Cpl. Easley were selected for this award for their decisive actions that saved the lives of the occupants of a burning senior citizen apartment building in early hours of a frigid February, 2013 morning. The situation created a considerable danger to the personal safety of Sgt. Berry and Cpl. Easley yet both individuals did not hesitate, as usual, to go above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their duties.

May 2013

Natalie McDonald

Natalie McDonald, Nursing Assistant II within the Missouri Veterans Commission - St. James Veterans Home, has been selected as the May, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Natalie was selected for this award because she exemplifies and models the best of outstanding care-giving. Part of Natalie’s style is that she does not take a cookie cutter approach to working with a resident, but rather, Natalie gets to know them personally in an effort to ensure that they receive care with the utmost dignity and respect. Natalie is a natural leader and an advocate who promotes high quality standards and good care. Sometimes speaking out for residents can feel risky, but Natalie is always willing to take that risk as she feels it is the right thing to do for our veterans.

June 2013

Carolyn “Sue” Cashion

Carolyn “Sue” Cashion, Lab Evidence Technician within the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has been selected as the June, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Sue was selected for this award because of the strong work ethic that she has exemplified throughout her 20 years of service. Some of Sue’s attributes that define her work ethic are conscientious, self starter, prideful, punctual, friendly, team player, and cheerful. Sue also serves as a wonderful role model as her work ethic is one that others strive to mirror.

July 2013

Robert Williams

Robert Williams, Veterans Service Officer, within the Missouri Veterans Commission, has been selected as the July, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Robert was selected for this award because of the exemplary manner in which he performs his daily duties. Robert goes above and beyond the requirements of a Veterans Service Officer in order to assist clients and co-workers. Many clients have expressed their sincere appreciation for Robert. His "can do attitude" is an inspiration to all Veteran Service Officers and sets a high standard for them to follow.

August 2013

Lisa Rodenbaugh

Senior Office Support Assistant – Keyboarding, within the Missouri Veterans Commission - Mexico Veterans Home, has been selected as the August, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Lisa was selected for this award because of the tremendous amount of initiative and autonomy she exhibits in the performance of her responsibilities as nursing scheduler. Lisa displays a “make a difference that positively and directly impacts the organization’s future success” attitude in all that she does within the Mexico Veterans Home. This attitude can be evidenced by Lisa’s firm understanding of maximizing staffing ratios while reducing liability, as the Home has experienced reduced overtime expenses incurred by the entire nursing department. Another demonstration of Lisa’s initiative and commitment to her position can be evidenced by Lisa’s involvement as the project lead on the Home’s employee retention program, which has resulted in decreased turnover rates among Nursing Assistants as well as Licensed Nurses.

September 2013

Roxi Tillman, Clinical Casework Assistant II, within the Missouri Veterans Commission – Cape Girardeau Veterans Home, has been selected as the September, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Roxi was selected for this award because of the kind and caring manner in which she performs her daily duties. Roxi conveys genuine concern for the welfare of each Veteran, through her actions, her words and in the tone of her voice. Additionally, Roxi is an advocate for the Veterans and has devoted considerable time and energy in finding ways to improve their quality of life.

October 2013

Andrew Sharp

Andrew Sharp, Veterans Service Officer, within the Missouri Veterans Commission, has been selected as the October, 2013 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Andrew was selected for this award because of his dedication to our Veterans and agency stakeholders. Andrew fits the mold of the mission of the Missouri Veterans Commission to ensure Veterans and dependents receive all the eligible benefits to which they are entitled. Because of the initiative, dependability, compassion, and knowledge he demonstrates in the performance of his duties, Andrew is one of the top Veteran Service Officers serving our Veterans and their dependents.

November 2013

Sgt. Timothy Hourihan

Sgt. Darryl Suhr

Sgt. Timothy Houriha and Sgt. Darryl Suhr, Missouri State Highway Patrol – Gaming Division, have been selected as the November, 2013 Employees of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Sgt. Hourihan and Sgt. Suhr were selected for this award for their involvement in assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with a case of two unidentified subjects believed to be responsible with the detonation of multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The primary focus of those assigned within the Gaming Division is the casino floor and its activities; however, Sgt. Hourihan and Sgt. Suhr recognized the seriousness of the crime and the potential for a catastrophic event if the subjects were not apprehended. Utilizing the resources within their means at the casino, Sgt. Hourihan and Sgt. Suhr spent numerous hours over a period of four days assisting with the case. Ultimately, Sgt. Hourihan and Sgt. Suhr’s assistance and the information they obtained through their investigative efforts not only led the FBI and ATF to locate and apprehend the individuals, but also subsequently impeached one suspect’s alibi, thus strengthening the case against the individuals. Sgt. Hourihan and Sgt. Suhr’s actions and tenacity through this investigation undoubtedly saved lives.

December 2013

Sgt. Justin McCullough

Cpl. Lance DeClue

Sgt. Justin McCullough and Cpl. Lance DeClue, Missouri State Highway Patrol, have been selected as the December, 2013 Employees of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Sgt. McCullough and Cpl. DeClue were selected for this award for the bravery and selfless courage they both displayed in rescuing and saving the lives of seven individuals (three fire and rescue personnel, one civilian male, two civilian women, and one small child) who were placed in harm’s way from rushing water during the August, 2013 flooding in Waynesville, MO. Operating a boat in flooding water requires precise skill and expertise, as one small mistake in such treacherous conditions could have devastating consequences. The bravery and courage that Sgt. McCullough and Cpl. DeClue demonstrated during these rescues on this particular day is something that cannot be taught, as it comes from within and speaks volumes about their selfless concern for the safety of others.