FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
December 8, 2010

Fire Captain Sorensen Named Town of Cary Employee of the Year

CARY, NC – With over 11 years of employment with the Town of Cary and a sincere commitment to integrity and professionalism, Yoko Sorensen has been named the Town of Cary’s 2010 Employee of the Year. Sorensen currently serves as Fire Captain at Fire Station 2 and was chosen out of 19 nominees from the Town’s 1,140 employees. He was honored with a plaque and will receive a $1,000 savings bond and be recognized in front of the Cary Town Council at the December 16, 2010 regular meeting.

The announcement was made today at the Town’s Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon at the Herb Young Community Center in Cary, during which 184 staff members were recognized for reaching 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years of service milestones. Employee of the Year finalists were also recognized: Brian Austin, Police Department’s Master Police Officer; Wes Everett, Inspections & Permits’ Operations Analyst; Andy Tipaldos, Public Works & Utilities’ Solid Waste Equipment Operator; and Terry Yates, Technology Department’s Telecommunications Manager.

“We’re very proud of Yoko’s accomplishments and his commitment to providing outstanding services,” said Ben Shivar, Town Manager. “We are grateful for employees like Sorensen and countless others who continue to provide exceptional services to our citizens despite tough economic conditions.”

Sorensen is a model employee and supervisor. He spends countless hours training his staff and new recruits in providing effective fire, rescue and EMS services and spends extra time with citizens explaining how the Fire Department can be of assistance. According to his colleagues, Sorenson is selfless and makes a genuine effort to help fellow employees meet their personal and professional goals. He was a nominee for the 2009 Employee of the Year award.

The Town of Cary’s Employee of the Year program was established in 1989 to recognize employees who consistently perform well beyond what the job description requires. Nominees are consistently courteous and helpful to others, and they strive to improve themselves and participate in the community.  Many nominations included accolades from Cary citizens.  For more about the program, see Employee of the Year at www.townofcary.org.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: 
Yoko Sorensen, Fire Captain, (919) 469-4060
Valiria Willis, Director of Human Relations, (919) 469-4072
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908

Related Links:
Photo of Yoko Sorensen
Employee of the Year program