Delray Beach recognizes city employees at quarterly service awards

The City Commission of Delray Beach recognized city employees for milestone service anniversaries during a quarterly service awards presentation in the commission chambers.

The presentation highlighted the city’s long‑standing staff across departments and noted examples of sustained public service, training and specialized certifications that city leaders said support daily operations and emergency response.

Anthony Gies, superintendent of Public Works, introduced Charles “Chuck” Allen Peele, a 25‑year employee now assigned to Stormwater, and recounted work he said demonstrated service beyond routine duties. Gies described Peele’s earlier work in utilities and street maintenance and noted his role in assisting colleagues and the public. Gies said Peele “helps remove the keys” when items fall into storm drains and called him “a multi‑talented veteran” who trains on additional equipment.

Battalion Chief Jim Bradford of Delray Beach Fire Rescue recognized Lieutenant Brandon Brentano and firefighter‑paramedic Jacqueline Sandoval for 10 years of service. Bradford summarized Brentano’s background in the department’s Explorer program, his 2021 promotion to lieutenant, and listed specialized credentials Bradford said Brentano holds, including hazardous materials technician and specialty rescue technician certifications, rescue diver qualifications and Florida state fire inspector certification. Bradford also described Brentano’s dual role as a SWAT medic with the Delray Beach Police Department.

Bradford noted Sandoval’s certifications in hazardous materials and specialty rescue and her leadership roles; he said she serves as the fire department’s honor guard commander and represents the department at memorial services, including introducing names at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Other honorees and presenters included Fania Jones, water plant superintendent, who introduced William Blake Jr. for 25 years with utilities and noted his role as a paperwork specialist and earlier work in utility maintenance; Gina Carter, director of communications, who was acknowledged for her evolving department role since 2019; Jennifer Reynolds, recognized for 25 years in information technology; and Amy Hansen, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, who highlighted Sunovian (Snovian) Steven’s 25 years of behind‑the‑scenes work on city events and facilities.

Paula Wolf, the city’s risk manager, and other department leaders recognized staff across human resources, finance, neighborhood and community services, public works, fire rescue, communications and parks and recreation for five‑ and 10‑year milestones. Presenters emphasized on‑the‑job training, cross‑departmental support, and specific duties such as stormwater response, concrete and asphalt repair, and event infrastructure maintenance.

The awards presentation concluded with photo opportunities and a small raffle for attendees. No formal policy actions, votes or agenda decisions were taken during the presentation portion of the meeting.

The presentation took place during a regularly scheduled commission meeting; the agenda included the awards as a ceremonial item rather than a decision item, and staff and commissioners used the time to publicly recognize employee service milestones.