Auburn names employee of the month, recognizes long-serving staff and previews Lake Wilmore community center and public-safety training center

The mayor announced that Trent Mitchell of the communications department was named employee of the month for his work as the Community Emergency Communications Center training coordinator since 2023, citing his efforts to standardize training documentation and develop a comprehensive training workbook.

"As the community emergency communications center training coordinator since 2023, Trent has made strides to reengineer the training process by standardizing documentation, coaching trainers, and working to develop a comprehensive training workbook," the mayor read from a memorandum. "His use of data driven insights has improved trainer output and trainee success, elevating the emergency communities communication center's operational standards."

The council recognized additional service awards: Shalisa Hardinett, Patty Liverance, Allison Blankenship and Brandon McGinty for five years of service; Andrew Kiser and Clifton Odom of the fire department for ten years; and Amy Sailor of the finance department, who will retire after 27 years, the mayor said. The mayor also noted a consent-agenda commendation for the Auburn High School girls cross country team for winning the state championship seven times in eight years and a commendation for Jack Bridal, Auburn University SGA director of city relations, who completed his service to the city in December and has moved on to an internship in Washington.

The mayor also announced community events and facilities: a polar plunge supporting the Special Olympics on Jan. 18 and the soon-to-open Lake Wilmore Community Center and a Public Safety Training Center. "These are 2 facilities that we have been working on for a couple of years now," the mayor said, noting the centers will provide recreational and training space for the community and public-safety professionals.