0113 officer of the year
Police Chief Jim Roberson announced Eric Marquard as Officer of the Year on Jan. 15.
Awards were given to public service employees following Mayor Scott McBrayer’s State of the City address to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 15.
Gregory Garrett was awarded as Firefighter of the Year. Chief John Bresnan recognized his role as not just a paramedic and fire fighter but also as an apparatus operator (fire truck driver) and repairing breathing apparatuses specialist, and also for his work ethic and leadership skills.
Eric Marquard was given the Police Officer of the Year award. Chief Jim Roberson spoke of how the 19-year police veteran and Patrol Division Lead has a professional demeanor that inspires others. Marquard also is a member of the tactical team, a firearms instructor and a field training officer, Roberson said.
Finally, Oanh Nguyen, an administrative assistant at the Homewood Public Library was awarded City Employee of the Year. Library Director Deborah Fout recounted how Wan was born in Vietnam and served four years in the Air Force before coming to the Library in 1999. Fout and McBrayer both spoke of how Nguyen not only does her job well but helps behind the scenes at the library and with the city, wherever help is needed.
