Four City Of Tulsa Workers Honored For Exceptional Service

During a special recognition ceremony on Thursday at Tulsa's City Hall, Mayor Dewey Bartlett presented Tulsa Blue certificates and awards to four City of Tulsa employees for their exceptional service to their fellow colleagues and the community.

Josh Wise, Jason Harris, Pat Connelly and Jason Dyer accepted tokens of appreciation from the mayor.

"We have an amazing and talented workforce who serve the City of Tulsa and possess a variety of work skills and talents," Bartlett said. "Each of these men has clearly demonstrated what it means to serve our organization and fine city every day. Today's ceremony is our way of saying we appreciate what you do."

Tulsa Blue is an employee recognition program that honors City of Tulsa employees who go above and beyond the execution of their duties in serving their coworkers and Tulsa citizens. In all, 35 employees have been recognized with certificates and special awards for serving the City of Tulsa.

Blue is the dominant color in the City of Tulsa logo and symbolizes the extraordinary customer service that is demonstrated to Tulsa citizens and City coworkers alike by exemplary City of Tulsa employees, a news release says.

Tulsa Blue Honorees

Josh Wise is a valued Senior Systems Analyst in IT and has served the City for two years. The mayor said he's an exceptional employee and is considered a great liaison between INCOG and Tulsa County.

He is highly valued for his superb technical skills and dedication to help identify short- and long-term improvements for the organization.

Jason Harris has diligently served the city for nearly seven years and is an outstanding Underground Collection Services Engineering Aide. According to supervisors, he always looks for occasions to take on greater responsibilities within his department, is committed to assisting his fellow crew members by maximizing personnel safety in hazardous sewage conditions and is focused on saving citizens money.

Pat Connelly is called an "outstanding public servant" and has served the city for 36 years. The mayor said his impeccable work ethic has set him apart as a great role model. He is valued for his honest and wise advice on how to solve various issues as they've arisen. His service in the Grants Division, as well as his many years of service balancing the budget mean a great deal, supervisors say.

Jason Dyer is a fire equipment operator for the Tulsa Fire Department and has faithfully served the City for nearly 13 years. Dyer donated a kidney to a close friend last spring, giving him the generous gift of life.

"He is without a doubt a true public servant and an inspirational example of sacrificial love in our community," the city said in a release.

Dyer said he took six weeks leave during the transplant process, and when he returned to work, he discovered that his co-workers pitched in to cover his shifts so he didn't have to use his own accrued time.

The man who received Dyer's kidney also was present during Thursday's ceremony.

Citizen nominations are being accepted online for the next round of Tulsa Blue honorees. Simply fill out the form by clicking here, including a brief description of why a city employee should be selected as a Tulsa Blue recipient.