Town Employees Recognized for Service to Community

Zachary Smith of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD), Master Police Officer (MPO) Ken Smith of the Vienna Police Department and Luis Blandon of the Vienna Public Works Department were recognized Wednesday by the Rotary Club of Vienna for the 2015 “M. Jane Seeman Service Above Self” award.

Each year, the Rotary Club recognizes extraordinary individuals within the Vienna Town government who represent the Club’s motto of “Service Above Self.” The annual service award is named in honor of the Town’s late Mayor M. Jane Seeman.

MPO Ken Smith was nominated for his dedication and mentor work with younger members of the force. According to Police Chief Jim Morris, “MPO Smith helps officers become proactive, with his years of experience, five years on patrol and five years undercover, he has been a great asset.”

Fire Chief John Morris nominated Zachary Smith of the VVFD for his many hours of “above and beyond” service. Smith has provided more than 3,500 volunteers hours, including 750 hours of administrative work and 1,000 hours of training. Since joining the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department nearly four years ago, Smith has also been committed to recruiting new members.

Luis Blandon, Vienna’s Civil Engineer, was nominated by Public Works Director Dennis Johnson for the outstanding service he provides to the community. Blandon consistently goes out of his way to make sure he communicates with residents who will be affected by any projects in their area.

During the program, the Vienna Rotary Club awarded the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department with a donation to support the community center renovations, summer camp scholarships and the Summer on the Green concerts.

The Vienna Police Department and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department both received a donation check in support of new equipment.