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The original item was published from 2/9/2026 8:37:10 AM to 3/4/2026 12:00:03 AM.

News Flash

City of Watertown

Posted on: February 9, 2026

[ARCHIVED] City of Watertown Recognizes Employees at Service Recognition Banquet

Special Award Winners with CM

City of Watertown held its annual recognition banquet, an event that honors City employees for their service to the community. The event recognizes employees reaching milestone years of service, honors retirees, and highlights individual achievements through special employee awards. This year’s award recipients include:

  • Employee of the Year: Recognized for outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to the community.
    •  Kristen Bobzien, Finance Officer, Finance Department
  • Rookie of the Year: Recognized for significant contributions made within the first three years of service with the City.
    •  Jamie Jordan, Facilities Maintenance Superintendent, Parks, Recreation & Forestry

  • Mentor Award: Recognized for providing encouragement, guidance, and support, helping colleagues reach their potential.
    •  Tim Toomey, Police Chief, Watertown Police Department

  • Creativity Award: Recognized for thinking ‘outside the box’ and developing creative solutions.
    •  Trenton Wallert, Systems Administrator, Information Technology

  • Caregiver Award: Recognized for acts of kindness, compassion, and above-and-beyond efforts to support others within the community and workplace.
    •  Alex Defea, Firefighter/Paramedic, Watertown Fire Rescue

  • One-in-a-Million Award: Recognized as an employee whose awesomeness has improved productivity, benefited the workplace, or contributed in some to the betterment of our community.
    • Ryan Heiser, Recreation Coordinator, Parks, Recreation & Forestry

“Our community is a better place because of the people who show up each day ready to serve their community,” said Alan Stager, City Manager. “This event is an opportunity to recognize the dedication they bring to their work and to the residents of Watertown.”

 Award recipients were selected through a peer-driven nomination process. This year, 77 nominations were submitted by coworkers, with final selections made by the city manager and a committee of past award recipients.

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