Miami-Dade County Employee Service Anniversary Recognition Ceremony

On November 7, 2024, Senator and County Commissioner Renee Garcia, along with Chief Patterson from the Mayor's Office, presided over a ceremony honoring Miami-Dade County employees for 30 and 35 years of dedicated service. The event featured remarks from department directors, colleagues, and family members, celebrating the contributions of these long-serving public servants.

Opening Remarks

• Senator Renee Garcia (County Commissioner) expressed heartfelt gratitude for the employees' decades of service, emphasizing the rarity of such long-term commitment and urging them to transfer knowledge to the next generation. He noted that mental health is a priority and that he had to leave early for a mental health task force meeting.
• Chief Patterson delivered greetings on behalf of Mayor Danielle Levine Cava and Chairman Oliver Gilbert III, and a video message from the mayor was played, thanking employees for their dedication.

Employee Recognitions

Community Action and Human Services Department

• Dolores Holly – Recognized for 30 years (though she corrected that she has served 32 years, starting in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew). She is Division Director of the Office of Housing Advocacy Program. Colleagues and family praised her community work and support.
• Raul Kamalichi – 35 years of service. Started in 1989 as a social worker, now a Rehabilitation Services Counselor II in the substance use program. Co-workers highlighted his bigger-than-life personality and dedication to clients.

Information and Technology Department (ITD)

• Daniel Staniski – 30 years. Started in the police department, later moved to IT, specializing in mainframe technologies. His wife and director Margaret Brisbane praised his cheerful attitude and technical expertise.
• Ernesto Garcia del Rio – 35 years. Began in the DERM department, now embedded in ITD, supporting regulatory and utility business processes. Colleagues described him as a quiet, brilliant leader.
• Michelle Thames – 35 years. Previously worked in transportation, aviation, and the port; also a professor at Miami Dade College. She is retooling skills for new IT roles.

Internal Services Department (ISD)

• Teresa Reyes – 30 years. Started in Risk Management in 1994. Colleagues praised her technical proficiency in workers' compensation claims, her empathy, and her collaborative spirit. She was noted for welcoming a new colleague with a "cafecito."

Library Department

• Monica Bauer – 35 years. Started in 1987 as a part-timer while in college, later earned a master's in library science. Assistant Branch Manager at West Kendall Regional Library, known for serving the underprivileged. Her branch manager called her the definition of a 21st-century librarian.

Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER)

• Jose Martinez – 30 years. Started in ITD in 1994, moved to Water and Sewer, then to RER (code enforcement). Now a Business Architect, automating code enforcement processes. Colleagues called him a "guru" and a key team member.

Department of Solid Waste

• Olga Espinoza Anderson – 35 years. Started in 1989 as an account clerk, rose to Deputy Director of Administration. Known for her energy, advocacy for breast cancer awareness, and as a former Zumba instructor. Her daughter and colleagues celebrated her hard work.

Strategic Procurement Department

• Franklin Gutierrez – 30 years. Started in 1994 in Building and Zoning, now Architectural and Engineering Selection Coordinator. He thanked his wife and noted he spent 25 years in RER zoning. He invited attendees to lunch.

Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW)

• Lewis Avila – 30 years. Bus operator since 1994 (full-time), praised for safety and customer service. Colleagues noted his 3–4 AM start times and dedication.
• Joaquin Rabassa – 30 years. Started in 1992 in Public Works, now oversees resurfacing and intersection improvement programs. Colleagues said he is the "unsung hero" and expedited safety improvements after fatalities on the Rickenbacker Causeway.
• Anne Marie Tolliver Orr – 30 years. Started as a bus operator in 1993, now a Rail Yard Master at the Lehman Center. She is a continuous learner and mentee. Her colleague and friend described her as passionate and rule-abiding.
• Billy Wheeler – 35 years. Senior Rail Vehicle Electronic Technician, master electrician, part of the Hurricane Andrew recovery team. He thanked his family and co-workers.

Water and Sewer Department

• Carmen Bedding Court – 30 years. Started with public schools, then STS, then Water and Sewer customer service, later worked in a commissioner's office. Her granddaughter and colleagues praised her heart, teamwork, and leadership. She was emotional and grateful.
• Adolfo Perez – 30 years. Started in 1994 in Public Works, transferred to Water and Sewer. Chief Water Plant Operator. He thanked God, his family, and his employees, noting that Miami-Dade is a great place to work.
• Mindy Ventura – 30 years. Worked in Customer Service Center. Her manager highlighted her fundraising for breast cancer awareness (raising nearly $3,000 in 2024). Mindy thanked God and the county.
• Cedric Walker – 30 years. Heavy Equipment Operator. Colleagues described him as a "legend" and the best operator, who trained many, answered every call, and worked on hurricane response in the Keys and Fort Myers Beach. He was humble and thanked everyone.

Key Outcomes

• All employees received certificates of recognition and were applauded by the audience.
• Senator Garcia encouraged the honorees to mentor the next generation, stating, "Bring one or two folks under your wing and make sure that they learn everything that you know."
• The ceremony reinforced the county's appreciation for long-term public service and the importance of knowledge transfer.

*Note: Multiple employees corrected their service length (e.g., Dolores Holly noted 32 years instead of 30, and Anne Marie Tolliver Orr mentioned 31 years). The ceremony did not include any legislative agenda items, public comments, or votes.