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Recognition of various City employees and their accomplishments.
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Summary:
At this time, we want to recognize the outstanding recent professional and personal accomplishments of several City of Deer Park employees:
Sonia Acosta, Deputy City Secretary, City Secretary’s Office
Earlier this year, Sonia attained her Certified Municipal Clerk designation by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Elizabeth Ambrose, Youth Program Coordinator, Parks & Recreation Department
Elizabeth recently attained certification as a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional through the National Recreation & Park Association.
Sergeant Joe Cooper & Sergeant Bryan Miller, Police Department
Sergeants Cooper and Sergeant Miller both recently graduated from the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) - Leadership Command College (LCC). The Leadership Command College is the most comprehensive program offered at the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), and is often compared to the FBI National Academy. The nine-week program is designed to provide law enforcement executives with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful leadership in a modern law enforcement agency. Targeted for completion over a two-year period, this program consists of three modules held at prestigious universities in Texas, to include Texas A&M, Texas Woman’s University, and Sam Houston State University, which focus on the strengths of each institution.
Debra Culp & Aquatics Staff, Parks & Recreation Department
Debra serves as the City’s Athletics/Aquatics Supervisor. Under her leadership, the Aquatics Division earlier this year attained the Gold International Safety Award from Ellis & Associates, the firm which does accredits our aquatics efforts.
George Friels & Jared Johnston, Water Treatment Plant, Public Works Department
George recently attained his Class C water operators license, while Jared attained his Class B water operators license.
Jamie Galloway, Emergency Services Director, Emergency Services Department
Jamie recently received the Emergency Management Association of Texas “Curby Smith Distinguished Service Award.” Additionally, he was appointed to the Emergency Manager Ad Hoc Committee by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Cassie Pullig, Assistant Court Administrator, Finance Department
Recently promoted Assistant Court Administrator, Cassie Pullig, has completed all of the requirements for Level I of the Municipal Court Certification Program and was awarded certification on February 19, 2025, by the Texas Court Clerk Association in conjunction with the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, the Texas Municipal Courts Association, and Texas State University - San Marcos.
To qualify for Level I Certification, clerks must complete 40-hours of continuing education and pass a four-hour exam. Areas covered by the examination include an overview of the courts, ethics, authority and duties, procedures before trial, trial processes, post-trial procedures, state and city reports, traffic law, communications and stress management and juveniles.
Buddy Rice, Fire Marshal, Emergency Services Department
Last fall, Buddy was sworn in at the 2024-2026 President of the Texas Fire Marshal’s Association.
Angela Smith, City Secretary, City Secretary’s Department
Angela was elected for 2025 as Treasurer of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association - Salt Grass Chapter. She also was elected Treasurer of the Texas Women Leading Government - Gulf Coast Chapter.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
N/A.
Recommended action
Please join us in recognizing these individuals.