Lt Jessica Earl named Employee of the Year

Congratulations go out from Historic City News to Marine Rescue Lieutenant Jessica Earl with St. Johns County Fire Rescue for being named St. Johns County Employee of the Year.

The announcement was made at the St. Johns County annual Employee Award Ceremony held last week.

Earl was selected from a very talented and deserving group of nominees for this special award.

The award is presented to the employee who, through nomination, has displayed exemplary organizational contributions and has modeled exceptional public service excellence. Jessica’s operational skill, commitment to training and education, and lifesaving skill were just a few of the qualities that set her apart.

“Congratulations to Jessica on this prestigious award,” said County Administrator Michael Wanchick. “Her dedication and hard work exemplify good public service. Particularly in a time when employees are making significant sacrifices and being asked to do more with less, employees like Jessica continue to make St. Johns County special.”

Jessica completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration in December 2009 from Flagler College, showing a great interest in personal development.

Earl played a key role in the development of the Marine Rescue Program and has instructed and trained approximately 40 St. Johns County Fire Rescue members. She is also heavily involved in the County’s Junior Life Guard Program, where she has helped create an educational and fun environment for aspiring lifeguards.

Earl was directly responsible for the rescue of a distressed swimmer in Crescent Beach on August 24, 2009. After less than a minute of being on the scene, Jessica was able to locate the swimmer and assist in the recovery. She and a fellow lifeguard were able to get the victim to shore safely and were ultimately able to save a life. This heroic deed demonstrated Jessica’s expertise after many years of training, as well as her dedication and commitment to the citizens of St. Johns County.

Betty Ann Frederick from the Library System and Ivan Burrell from Road and Bridge were also acknowledged by the County Administrator as runners up for the employee of the year award.

County employees who completed 5-year increments of service in 2009 were also honored at the awards ceremony.