Two City Of Newberg Public Works Employees Win 2019 Everyday Hero Awards At American Public Works Association Conference -01/02/20

(NEWBERG, OR) – The City of Newberg is happy to announce that Public Works Employees Leo French-Pinzon and Brian Faulhaber were recipients of the 2019 Everyday Hero Award at the American Public Works Association (APWA) Fall Conference in Hood River, Oregon.

According to the Oregon APWA Website, “The Everyday Heroes Award recognizes public works employees who are identified by their peers or customers for – providing good customer service (responsive, consistent, courteous), making the best use of public resources (efficient, innovative), helping co-workers succeed (assistance, cooperation, solution-oriented), and being a great person to work with (friendly, respectful).

Both Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, Leo French-Pinzon, and Facilities/Ground Maintenance Employee Brian Faulhaber serve as examples of what being an everyday hero means. According to Newberg Public Works Director Jay Harris, “Since their first day, both Leo and Brian have treated the city facilities and grounds as their own.” Both Leo and Brian have also been recognized by their coworkers and peers with the Public Works Maintenance Employee of the Year Award, given to Leo in 2016 and Brian in 2017.

Leo and Brian show their commitment to their work and the Newberg community through their continued dedication to their jobs and through their passion for continued service to Newberg citizens. For example, Leo is Santa for the Newberg Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday events through the Newberg Public Library and Brian joins him as his head elf.

On February 28, 2019, both Leo and Brian went above and beyond in their service when returning from work at a city facility. Leo noticed an individual climbing over the safety barrier on an overpass over Highway 18 with the intention of jumping off the bridge into oncoming traffic. While Leo engaged the individual, talking with them and slowing them down, Brian called 911 and quickly brought emergency dispatchers to the situation. With the help of their quick action, Newberg police officers were able to prevent the individual from jumping. Both Leo and Brian remained on the scene assisting with the road closure to enable officers and firefighters to concentrate on the emergency.   

Both Brian and Leo demonstrate every day what it means to be an exemplary employee. The City would like to congratulate them on being recipients of the Everyday Hero Award.