(Left to right), Kevin Carr, Susan Carr, Janet and Bill Sullivan. Kevin Carr is Susan's husband and a program analyst for the city. The Sullivans are Susan's parents and are both former city employees.
Used with permission of the City of Plano, Texas
Surrounded by family and co-workers, Public Safety Communications Operations Coordinator Susan Carr was officially named the City of Plano 2005 Employee of the Year by the Plano Rotary Club Thursday, May 12 during their weekly luncheon at the Southfork Hotel.
"Susan is known as the most valuable person for the Public Safety Communications Department," said City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck, "and we say today that she is the most valuable person for the city of Plano."
An 18-year city of Plano employee, Carr follows a family tradition of working for the citizens of Plano, with her mother, father, sister, aunt and uncle employed by the city over the years. Her husband, Kevin, is a program analyst for the city.
The respect held for Carr by her peers in Public Safety Communications (PSC) was obvious from their nomination. Citing her as the "ultimate professional" they lauded her as a role model and mentor, continually exhibiting a conscientious, sympathetic, dedicated and encouraging work ethic, with an underlying passion for looking at the bright side of things.
A bright and helpful attitude are valued assets in the PCS area. As the first line of contact for emergencies, through the 9-1-1 network, PSC personnel must have the ability to interface with persons in crisis, sending appropriate police and/or fire response for assistance. From a bank robbery, to a heart attack victim, to a routine call about where to pay a traffic ticket, PSC personnel must always be at the top of their game, making Carr's recognition by her peers even more impressive.
"Our PSC personnel are sometimes the un-sung heroes of city government," said PSC Director Ron Timmons. "They are able to maintain their composure and work accurately under high stress situations and then move on to their other responsibilities in life ... as parents, in most instances. Susan is a parent of two children and it is amazing that she is able to keep the responsibility she does at work, with the extra efforts she puts in, and still be such a great parent as well."
An Employee of the Year Proclamation read by Plano Councilmember Steve Stovall on behalf of the Mayor and City Council, recapped some of Mrs. Carr's achievements.
Notable was her involvement in a multi-year technology upgrade project, helping to customize PSC computer applications to Plano's high service standards and usage demands. In addition to an impressive track record of dedication and accomplishments during her 18-year tenure, she also maintains certifications as an emergency medical dispatcher, emergency medical technician, CPR and national Crime Information Center, serves on numerous city committees and is an active volunteer for the city as well as her church and children's school.
"When I first started here, City Hall was half its size," said Carr. "PSC didn't even exist; we were just "dispatch" in the Police and Fire Department. I've been with the city through several moves and renovations; I've done four different computer systems and three different telephone systems. Working for the city is truly a part of who I am ... it's basically where I grew up. I hope that I can continue to be a positive influence in the city and in my Department and continue to bring recognition to PSC. Our department is a lot of times the forgotten link in emergencies until someone needs to call 9-1-1."
Carr thanked Department Manager Tammy Kennedy and Director Ron Timmons for the opportunities she has had over the years crediting continuing challenges, opportunities and her faith for helping her grow into the employee she is today. "There are many other excellent employees within the Department as well, too many to mention today," she continued, "But without their support, I would not be standing here accepting this great honor today."
Perhaps the Employee of the Year Proclamation best sums up what Carr is all about. "Susan's loyalty to the citizens of Plano is her most commendable attribute and the city of Plano is fortunate to have someone of Susan's dedication to our team and to our community and to our citizens. She is an invaluable resource to the city of Plano."
