Courtesy Photo Alpena clerk’s office employee Leilan Bruning, Mayor Cindy Johnson, Fire Captain Tyler Suszek, Department of Public Works mechanic Matt Robel, firefighter and paramedic Jeff King, and police officer Aaron Kwiatkowski pose for a photo after receiving certificates for being named the 2024 winners of the City Shout Out program. Police Sergeant Lincoln Suszek and planning, development, and zoning clerk Kathleen Sauve were also winners, but weren’t at the meeting on Dec. 16.

ALPENA — Last week, Alpena announced its annual winners of its City Shout Out program, and seven employees were honored for their dedication to residents and co-workers.

City employees received Shout Out slips from residents and other employees for going above and beyond their daily expectations, and the employees earning this year’s awards received the most for their respective departments.

The 2024 award winners are Department of Public Works mechanic Matt Robel, fire command officer Tyler Suszek, firefighter/paramedic Jeff King, police officer Aaron Kwiatkowski, police command Lincoln Suszek, clerical staff Kathleen Sauve, and administration Leilan Bruning.

Mayor Cindy Johnson said there are many employees who are worthy of the award, but this year’s winners stood out. She said the City Shout Out program is a way for some of the workers, who often complete their tasks out of the sight of the public.

“I think the program is really good, because the employees who win go over and above the norm,” Johnson said. “Some employees work really hard but the residents don’t necessarily see, so other employees can nominate them too.”

Johnson said often the names of the employee’s work efforts are shared with her or other members of the council or with City Manager Rachel Smolinski and slips for them are issued. Johnson said besides a certificate of achievement, each employee receives some extra paid time off for the year.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.