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Dedication to Duty Earns Special Recognition for Three Employees

KPD View Officer Award Winners View Civilian Award Winners December 1, 2008 - Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen honored Karen Ellis, Danielle Wieberg, and Carrie Perry for their dedication to the department and the citizens of Knoxville. Chief Owen said the NCIC Unit is comprised of nine Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) certified operators. During the past several months the department has been operating with seven operators. The NCIC Unit must operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To maintain this essential coverage, it required the department to either pay overtime or for the employees to make sacrifices. Chief Owen said, “Danielle and Carrie flexed their shifts to cover both the night shift and their regular evening shift. This meant they each worked a split shift two days a week then their regular shift the other three days. This resulted in a savings of approximately 960 hours of overtime pay.” Karen Ellis, who normally works dayshift, volunteered to work night shift for the entire month of July which covered the open shift and allowed her co-workers a much deserved break. Karen’s action resulted in a savings to the department of approximately 152 hours of overtime. Chief Owen said, “The entire unit made sacrifices and worked extra, however, these three individuals went above and beyond to provide uncompromised service to our officers and to the citizens we serve.” Mayor Haslam said, “The effort put forth by these employees is greatly appreciated by the department and the citizens. It’s an honor to have them as employees of the City of Knoxville.”

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