City employees honored for service, dedication to Boerne community

Dozens of employees were honored last week during the City of Boerne’s annual Employee Recognition Luncheon and Awards Ceremony.

The Mission Impossible-themed event brought employees together across all departments to celebrate collective achievements and individual excellence. The event was also attended by some members of the City Council.

“Every day, Team Boerne takes on important assignments with one shared purpose: serving our community,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “Over the past year, employees across every department have responded to challenges, protected critical infrastructure, solved problems, and delivered outstanding service.”

The ceremony was a time to honor veteran team members and recognize employees whose work has gone above and beyond.

Value Award Winners: Abel Hernandez, Cherise Soares, Ricardo Cortes, Laci Abadie, Bria Jackson.

Value Awards

Since 2022, the City has given Value Awards to the five employees across all departments who best represent our five core values of Service, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Collaboration. Value Award recipients are nominated by their colleagues.

Service Award | Abel Hernandez

Construction Inspector, Engineering and Mobility

During historic flooding in July, Abel noticed water rising over No Name Creek and alerted the Streets Department that road closures were needed. He used his City truck to block the roadway until barricades arrived.

When a vehicle stalled in the floodwater, Abel quickly assessed the danger and helped a mother and two children reach safety. He welcomed the family into his truck, keeping them warm, dry, and reassured until additional help arrived. His quick thinking, compassion, and willingness to go far beyond normal duties reflect the true meaning of public service.

Integrity Award | Cherise Soares

Service Worker I, Boerne Utilities Gas Department

Cherise takes seriously the responsibility of locating gas infrastructure, because accuracy protects employees, contractors, and the public. She regularly meets contractors in the field to ensure everyone understands the location of gas mains and service lines before digging begins. Her accountability and attention to detail help prevent damage, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect the City’s critical infrastructure.

Respect Award | Ricardo Cortes

GIS Analyst, Boerne Utilities

Ricardo brings kindness, generosity, and positivity to the workplace each day. Whether sharing treats with the team, offering a helping hand, or translating for Spanish-speaking customers and coworkers, he supports others without hesitation. His thoughtful nature and genuine care build strong relationships and create a workplace where people feel they belong.

Excellence Award | Lacie Abadie

Dispatcher, Boerne Police Department

Laci remains calm and professional on the radio with first responders and creates meaningful connections with people calling 911 or requesting non-emergency assistance. Her dedication extends beyond assigned duties. She prepares the communications center for smooth shift transitions and checks in during high-priority incidents to offer help wherever it is needed.

Collaboration Award | Bria Jackson

Multi-Media Specialist, Communications and Civic Engagement

Bria connects departments and transforms routine messages into creative, engaging content that keeps our community informed. No matter the project or deadline, she shows up ready to help with professionalism and positive energy. Her ability to build strong partnerships makes every team and project better and reminds us that the best assignments are never completed alone.

Directors’ Award Winners: Abigail Knott, Heather Wood, Chase Walston, Ben Simmons, Stephen Kitchens, Kirk Wiggins, Haley Newton, Robert Estes.

Directors’ Awards

The Directors’ Awards are presented to the employees whose attitude, work ethic, and performance represent the best of their respective departments. These are selected by the directors.

Engineering and Mobility Award | Abigail Knott

Engineer, Engineering and Mobility

Abigail took on tasks she had never done before this year, and rather than waiting for direction at every step, she took ownership and made sure the work got done. She reworked an established department process to make it better and more efficient. Anyone who has worked with Abigail knows she is dependable without fail, the kind of teammate whose work never needs a second look.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from Engineering and Mobility, Construction Inspections, Fleet, and the Street Department.

Fire Award | Heather Wood

Executive Assistant, Boerne Fire Department

Serving as the backbone of the department’s administrative operations, Heather approaches every responsibility with professionalism, accuracy, and a positive attitude. Whether coordinating complex administrative tasks, assisting with special projects, or providing excellent service to employees and community members, she can always be trusted to get the job done.
Her attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond provide invaluable support to the entire department.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from the Fire Department, Fire Administration, and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Administration Award | Chase Walston

IT Support Specialist II, Information Technology

Whether responding to a routine request, resolving a critical system issue, or supporting a major project, Chase can be counted on to see the mission through. He willingly takes ownership of complex challenges and finds lasting solutions, not just temporary fixes. A dependable teammate, Chase shares knowledge, assists coworkers, and steps in wherever needed. His technical expertise and positive attitude help every department serve our community.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from the City Manager’s Office, the City Secretary’s Office, Human Resources, IT, Visit Boerne, and Communications and Civic Engagement.

Planning and Community Development | Ben Simmons

Planner I, Planning

Ben consistently demonstrates exceptional customer service, dependability, and a commitment to continuous growth. He has quickly developed the knowledge and confidence needed to serve both customers and advisory boards. He has become a trusted resource for applicants, providing clear guidance throughout the review process. Always willing to accept new assignments, Ben demonstrates initiative and a genuine desire to expand his expertise for the benefit of the department and our community.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from the Planning Department and the Permitting and Code Compliance Department.

Utilities Award | Stephen Kitchens

Groundman I , Electric Department

Stephen provides dependable ground support for our electric linemen, willingly takes on demanding responsibilities, and helps ensure field operations are completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. He also performs electric utility line locates with exceptional accuracy and professionalism. His careful work protects the City’s critical infrastructure and has resulted in zero damaged electric lines caused by inaccurate locates.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from Utilities Administration, Customer Care and Billing, Electric, Water, Wastewater, Gas, and Treatment Plants.

Library Award | Kirk Wiggins

General Services Assistant, Patrick Heath Public Library

Kirk has a special way of making colleagues, volunteers, and patrons feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether processing accounts payable with an accuracy that regularly earns praise from Finance, coordinating meeting room reservations, or patiently helping patrons with technology, every responsibility is handled with care and professionalism. From improving budget spreadsheets to helping implement a new reservation system, he is always looking for ways to make everyone else’s job easier.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from the Patrick Heath Public Library.

Finance Award | Haley Newton

Accountants Payable Coordinator, Finance Department

Haley stepped into a rapidly changing operation; took ownership of new technology and processes; strengthened our internal controls; and helped create a more efficient and reliable operation. She works closely with other departments and vendors to troubleshoot issues, improve workflows, establish more consistent invoice processing, and help move the City toward a more centralized accounts payable operation.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from Finance and the Municipal Court.

Parks and Recreation Award | Robert Estes

Crew Leader, Parks and Recreation

During one of the Parks Operations Division’s most challenging transitions, Robert provided the stability crews needed to keep daily operations moving without missing a beat. His experience, institutional knowledge, and calm leadership made Robert a trusted resource for solving field challenges, mentoring employees, and helping teams determine the best approach to each project.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from Parks and Recreation, Facilities, and Special Projects.

Police Award | Officer Cheyenne Hernandez

Officer, Boerne Police Department

Cheyenne has supported sensitive investigations and special operations requiring advanced skills, discretion, and resilience. She has completed extensive Internet Crimes Against Children training, serves as a Field Training Officer, and provides the specialized skills of a law enforcement phlebotomist, assisting both our department and neighboring agencies. She also gives back through the Blue Santa Program.

This award is given to an exemplary employee from the Boerne Police Department’s divisions of Patrol, Investigations, School Resource Officers, Police Administration, Dispatch, and Animal Care Services.