BIDDEFORD — The City of Biddeford has recognized a set of exceptional employees and volunteers at their annual Employee and Volunteer Banquet.
Maegan Lambert-Irish was named the City of Biddeford’s 2023 Employee of the Year. Lambert-Irish was hired by the Biddeford Police Department as the City’s first Substance Use Outreach Liaison in 2017. Throughout the past six years, she has developed and initiated programs designed to support recovery in the community.
Lambert-Irish is a tireless advocate for the population she serves, working daily to reduce harm by providing safe use education, fentanyl test kits and Narcan, according to a city press release. She also maintains ongoing caring and supportive relationships with at-risk populations in an effort to guide them to recovery resources and treatment.
“Maegan’s work has directly contributed to a reduction in accidental drug poisonings within the City of Biddeford, and it is her passion for the work and compassion for the population that has made the position successful,” said Deputy Police Chief Steve Gorton.
“Maegan has been a driving force behind changing the culture in the City and making Biddeford a leader in substance use outreach,” said City Manager James Bennett. “Her work in our community has been transformative and I am pleased to present her with this year’s Employee of the Year of Award.”
Several other awards were presented to employees at the ceremony, including the Management Team Member of the Year Award, the Technical & Service Team Member of the Year Award, and the Customer Service Team Member of the Year Award.
Joe Lovejoy was named the Management Team Member of the Year. Lovejoy joined the Public Works Department in 2011 and served as Laborer, Operator, Street Supervisor, and Operations Manager prior to being named the Assistant Public Works Director in 2022.
“I have worked with Joe for twelve years and have always found him most dependable, efficient and unfailingly punctual. His willingness to take on numerous duties and projects and see them to a successful completion has repeatedly impressed me over the last couple of years,” said Jeff Demers, director of Public Works. “He also projects a warm, cheerful attitude and always tries to lift the spirits of those around him.”
Jim Lewis was named the Technical and Service Team Member of the Year. Lewis began working for the Biddeford Wastewater Division in 2005 and was recently promoted to the position of Lead Operator, helping oversee operations at both of Biddeford’s wastewater treatment facilities.
“Jim’s meticulous nature and attention to detail makes him an invaluable resource when it comes to completing projects that would otherwise be done by a contractor,” said Alex Buechner, Wastewater superintendent. “From carpentry and electrical work to pump station controls upgrades, Jim has saved the City thousands of dollars by taking the lead on these in-house projects.”
The Customer Service Team Member of the Year Award was presented to Christine O’Driscoll, who has worked in the City Clerk’s office for five years. As an Account Clerk, O’Driscoll is often one of the first faces that people see when they come into City Hall to complete tasks like registering vehicles or purchasing a beach permit.
“Christine gives customers her full attention when they need assistance and always tries to find solutions, going above and beyond to help with anything from locating a phone number to calling a cab,” said Amber St. Ours, Deputy City Clerk. “Christine has been a tremendous help during transitional times in the Clerk’s and Tax Office and I can always count on her to assist with important tasks, even when she isn’t asked or expected to.”
The City’s Volunteer of the Year award is also presented each year at the Employee and Volunteer Banquet. This year’s award was presented to Renee O’Neil. O’Neil is serving her seventh term as a citizen member of the City’s Policy Committee.
“Renee has had a long history of giving back to the community and freely gives of her time and talents,” said Mayor Alan Casavant. “She exemplifies what a volunteer should be, as she does this work simply for the love of community, not for accolades.”
In addition to the time she volunteers to the City, O’Neil has served on the Boards of Directors for Heart of Biddeford and Engine. She was deeply involved in renovation efforts at City Theater and has done extensive research on the history of City Hall.
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