City of Azle honors top employees

Employees of the city of Azle gathered Thursday evening, March 6, at A&M Gardens for the city’s annual awards banquet. After enjoying some social time and a scrumptious meal prepared by Corn Fed Catering, the program turned to honoring the best talent the city has to offer.

According to City Manager Tom Muir, 21 employees were nominated for various awards. Department heads selected the awards recipients from those nominated; in the case of the city-wide Employee of the Year Award, the executive staff, including the city manager, assistant city manager, police chief, fire chief, etc., selected the winner. Departmental employees of the year receive a plaque as well as a $250 check; the city-wide Employee of the Year received a check for $500 in addition to a plaque.

PUBLIC SERVICES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Tiffany McBroom was selected as Public Services Employee of the Year. Those who nominated McBroom said she goes above and beyond both in her job and to help others, completing her own tasks and others she finds along the way. Her great attitude was noted and called “contagious to other employees.” A recent recipient of a Class “B” wastewater license, McBroom’s fellow employees say she always looks for ways to improve the plant process and is the first to volunteer to cover shifts for employees who are on vacation or call in sick.

CROSS TIMBERS GOLF COURSE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Joshua Hoffman, assistant superintendent at Cross Timbers Golf Course, was named its Employee of the Year. Unfortunately, Hoffman was unable to attend the banquet.

Cross Timbers general manager Matt Sommerfield explained that after the course lost more than seven acres of grass during the significant cold spells of early 2024, it took an incredible amount of work to get the course back in shape.

“To be honest, we could have given this award to anybody on staff — everybody was a big part of getting the course back into shape,” Sommerfield said. “But Josh went above and beyond, and he was always available for anything, even outside course recovery. He’s right there, immediately, anytime we need him.”

Sommerfield said Hoffman has been employed at the course for nine years and was recently promoted from mechanic and irrigation tech to assistant superintendent, adding that Hoffman was the obvious choice for the position.

“He’s a U.S. Army vet, a great human being, a good person who would do anything for anybody, and I think every employee here would agree he is Employee of the Year,” Sommerfield added. “I don’t believe Cross Timbers would be the golf course it is without Josh on staff.”

FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Lt. Steve Lemming was selected Employee of the Year for the Azle Fire Department.

While presenting the award, Azle Fire Chief Will Scott said Lemming has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence, education and leadership. His decades of service, unwavering commitment to education and team building, and his wealth of historical knowledge make him an ideal candidate for the Fire Department Employee of the Year award.

“Lt. Lemming possesses a valuable historical understanding of the City of Azle Fire Department. His ability to recall and share the department’s legacy, traditions and past achievements provides crucial context for current operations and future planning. This deep-rooted knowledge helps preserve our heritage while inspiring new generations of firefighters,” Scott said. “His leadership has helped create an environment where his team feels supported and valued, which directly impacts the quality of service provided to our community.”

POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Leslie Dvorak, crime analysts and community liaison, was presented with the Employee of the Year Award for the Azle Police Department.

Since joining the department, Police Chief Ben Hall said Dvorak has made significant contributions that have significantly benefited both the department and the city of Azle. During 2024, she demonstrated exemplary investigative skills and leveraged her social networking abilities to identify several suspects in multiple crimes.

“Her keen eye for detail and analytical prowess have led to the creation of reports that have enabled closer patrols in high-crime areas. Through her statistical analysis, we have pinpointed areas requiring increased attention, thereby enhancing public safety,” Hall said of Dvorak. “In addition to her primary responsibilities, Leslie has taken on the crucial task of assisting with grant writing. These grants are essential for our agency, as they provide funds for resources and equipment necessary to conduct investigations more efficiently. Leslie’s efforts in securing these funds have been instrumental in improving our operational capabilities.

“As the community liaison, Leslie has coordinated numerous events that have fostered stronger relationships with our community. Her expertise in utilizing social media has immensely impacted our interactions with the public, resulting in thousands of new followers on our social media page,” Hall continued. “This increased engagement has allowed us to build positive relationships and establish an additional communication channel with the community.”

Hall said Dvorak’s dedication to the department extends beyond her regular duties. During her time off, she chooses to ride along with officers to build better relationships with them and to gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively distribute information. These ridealongs have also provided her with valuable insights into the city’s dynamics and the operations of each shift.

“Overall, Leslie’s contributions to the Azle Police Department and the city of Azle have been profound. She embodies the goals and mission of the city, and her unwavering commitment to her role has made a significant impact on our community,” Hall said.

ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Administrative Assistant Malinda Nowell was named Administrative Employee of the Year.

According to her nomination, Nowell came into her current position with experience in a different area of local government and has learned to utilize skills from her former position as a city secretary to efficiently and effectively apply herself in her current role. She has graciously stepped in when her skills can assist others in different departments.

Nowell is described as always friendly, professional and even though she is still relatively new in her position, she has embraced the culture of the city and shown tremendous adaptability when it comes to juggling multiple priorities. “She is a model employee who is deserving of the Administrative Employee of the Year Award,” the nomination says.

CITY-WIDE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Community and Marketing Specialist Kristen Pegues received the award for citywide Employee of the Year, although she was unable to attend the event.

An Azle native and graduate of Azle High School, Pegues’ leadership in bringing the FeedLot to life was noted by two people who nominated her for the award.

“She stepped up to oversee and contribute to its startup, setup and continuous construction,” one nomination said. “The way she took the concept from her mind and turned it into a clear, actionable plan is impressive. She has a remarkable ability to communicate her vision and inspire those around her. Kristen also serves as. Positive representative for the city, especially on social media platforms like Facebook, where she regularly shares updates and keeps the public informed. She goes above and beyond her role by keeping various city departments well-informed about ongoing projects and her vision for Azle’s future.

“Kristen has a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, regardless of background or titles, and communicates with them in a way that leaves no doubt about her intentions, her position on topics, and her willingness to help or volunteer for projects. I want to express my sincere gratitude for all her hard work and her continuous eagerness to assist anyone in need; she is like a sister to many of us. Thank you, Kristen!” the nomination concluded.

A separate nomination says Pegues has proven in a very short time that she is indispensable to the city.

“She has an obvious passion for the city and the community as a whole, and her energetic spirit is evident in all she does,” the second nomination says.