the inside job - august 2011

8/6/2019 The Inside Job - August 2011

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August 2011

The Employee e-Newsle t t er o f t he F lor ida F ish and Wi ld l i feConservat ion Commission

Serves Them Right Shining Stars Employee Mi les tones

In t h is issue...

Video tribute to Rodney BarretoSix-time Chairman saluted at June Commission meeting... [more]

Lee County billboard urges panther aw areness Over 50,000 motorists see the message every day... [more]

Fuss 'n' feathers Transporting an injured hawk proves more than officer bargained for... [more]

Doing the heavy lifting 2 officers pick up gold, silver for weightlifting at Police and Fire Games... [more]

Video tribute to Rodney Barreto

The June Commission meeting marked the end of an era, as Rodney

Barreto stepped down as Chairman, having served six one-year terms in

that capacity.

To commemorate the many accomplishments during his 10 years of

service on the Commission, a special video was produced for showing at

the June meeting in St. Augustine.

You can watch the 5-minute piece on the FWC's YouTube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/myfwcvideos#p/u/2/Hji1Mqg_nCEhttp://www.youtube.com/myfwcvideos#p/u/2/Hji1Mqg_nCEhttp://www.myfwc.com/


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Commissioner Rodney Barreto

(FWC photo)

Commissioner Barreto's second five-year term expires August 1.

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Lee Co. billboard urges panther aw areness(from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service news release)

A digital billboard on U.S. 41 in Lee County is reminding 50,000 motorists a day to watch out for Florida

panthers.

Featuring an image of a panther running across a

road in Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, the

billboard urges caution, because vehicle collisions are

a leading cause of panther deaths. As of July 12,

seven Florida panthers have been killed on Southwest

Florida roads this year.

The billboard space was donated by Lamar Outdoor

Advertising, and the message will run indefinitely.

Bob Repenning of Lee County Parks and Recreation took the

photograph used in the billboard.

(Design by Lamar Outdoor Advertising)

"We're proud to help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission reach as many motorists as possible with this message of caution," said Lamar's southwest Florida

sales manager Vinny Fazio.

The panther population has grown five-fold since the 1980s, when its numbers dwindled to 20-30. Its increase

to a current estimate of 100-160 adult panthers is a success story, but one tempered with the knowledge thatan increasing population means a greater chance for vehicle collisions.

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Fuss 'n' feathersBy Officer Sam Cohl

After 13 years as an FWC officer, I thought I had seen it all. At least I did until the other day.

On July 8, I was on routine patrol along the Charlotte/Sarasota County line when a family flagged me down.

The driver said a hawk had just been struck by a car one block away.

I reached the scene to find a large red-tailed hawk standing in the center of the two-lane road blocking traffic in

both directions. Its wing was covered in blood, and it apparently had no intention of moving from the roadway.Someone handed me a beach towel, which I draped over the bird's head and body to keep it calm. I picked up

the towel-wrapped hawk and placed it on the passenger-side floor of my truck.

I knew the hawk's best chance for survival would be at The Wildlife Center of Venice, about 45 minutes away.

Most of the trip was uneventful, but as I got closer to the Wildlife Center, the weather deteriorated and rain

poured from the sky. At about 3 miles from our destination, I began to have a strange suspicion I was being

watched.

I slowly looked down to see two large eyes locked onto me like I was a giant mouse. The now-alert bird had

decided it didn't need the towel draped over it for protection. I felt like Wyatt Earp at the OK Corral, and the

hawk was giving me until sundown to get out of town. But I figured the hawk had a broken wing; surely, it

wouldn't try to take flight. Wrong!
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Recovered from its injury, the hawk was

transported to its release site - in a more

suitable carrier.

(FWC photo)

While maintaining control of my truck on the wet road, I was also

fending off flying feathers, flapping wings, a stiletto-like beak and

razor-sharp talons. I stopped the truck, jumped out in the pouring

rain and grabbed my rain jacket from the back and used it to

subdue the hawk. Though soaked and a bit disheveled, I arrived at

the Wildlife Center of Venice with no further injuries to the hawk -

or myself.

Fortunately, the hawk's wing was not broken, and we were able to

release the bird a little more than a week later. I was also the

grateful recipient of a gift from the Wildlife Center, an animal cratethat will help prevent further comedic episodes with temporarily

stunned wildlife.

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Doing the heavy lifting By Katie Purcell, Law Enforcement

Every June, law enforcement officers, firefighters and military personnel take part in the Florida Police and Fire

Games. Thousands of participants, from over 200 different agencies, compete in Olympic-style sporting events.

The FWC had a successful year in the weightlifting events. Officer Billy Giles and Officer Joe Johnston , both

of the North Central Region , earned medals in their weight classes. Billy won gold medals for bench press

and power lifting in the 220-pound class. In his first weightlifting competition, Joe won the gold medal in power

lifting and silver in bench press in the 242-pound class.

Their accomplishments are impressive enough on their own,

but perhaps what is even more noteworthy is that Billy

achieved this less than a year after suffering serious

lacerations to his legs in a boating accident.

The accident occurred last August and required several

surgeries. Billy's doctor told him that had he not been in

such good physical shape, his femoral artery could havebeen cut, which could have been fatal. Billy vowed to

recover from his injuries and return to the competition

stronger than ever. He returned to full duty in November

and resumed training in December.

Billy and Joe work out for 90 minutes three or four times a

week, focusing on squats, bench press and dead-lifts.

The hard work seems to be paying off. Billy moved up from

the 198-pound weight class and achieved his personal best

in all three categories in which he participated.K-9 Officer Billy Giles (L) and Officer Joe Johnston with

their medals from the Florida Police and Fire Games.

Johnston is awaiting the arrival of his silver medal.

(FWC photo by Karen Parker)

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Serves Them Right

Citizens and FWC customers were so impressed by the following employees, they told us about it through the

"Praise an Employee" page of MyFWC.com/Contact:

Andrea Boliek (HSC) - "...My brother's truck was not properly equipped for off-roading, and he got us

stuck...We were lucky that Andrea...saw us...and she was able to pull our Jeep out of the mud. She took the time

to explain to us (very nicely) that what we were doing was actually frowned upon because of the resource

depletion...She asked for nothing in return only that we respect the land and not do that sort of thing again..."

Nancy Brock (L&P ) - "I wanted to take the time to thank Nancy & the entire team for being so helpful and kind
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in assisting me."

[also]

"I was missing some information...Nancy took the time to explain to me step-by-step what I needed to do...she

responded expeditiously & courteously in such a manner that is rarely seen today..."

Nancy Brock, Karen Barnes (L&P ) - "These ladies went out of their way to help me with my license. You guys

are doing such a great job there. I really appreciate it and want you to know how well you are doing..."

Officer Carmon Brow nell - "I was up the East River, in the evening, and had run out of gas...He towed us to

the dock and, I feel, went above and beyond the call of duty. Officers like this make people feel safer on the

water and not scared to "run in with the FWC"..."

Bambi Clemons (FWRI ) - "...I am studying tick-borne disease in Florida and collecting ticks from state

parks...she has given me information on white-tailed deer, including...one of her personal books...to make finding

the ticks I need a more simple task...Thanks Bambi for providing me with the opportunity to learn more about

Florida wildlife as I pursue my degree!"

Gabriella Ferraro (OED/ CR) - "...is exceedingly easy to work with and adds tremendous value to my

performance serving my readership as a reporter and outdoors columnist...works tirelessly to ensure proper and

accurate information is dispensed...I don't know what I'd do without her."

Officer Bret Gill - "...displayed such exceptional professionalism, because it wasn't about citing a ticket or

chewing us out. It was entirely about the proper safety for the kids...You don't meet law enforcement that often

who are so patient or willing to entertain the many questions 6-year-old boys may have..."

Officer Charles " Buck" Higman - "We had some trailer issues...while pulling our boat...was kind enough to pull

over to be sure all was okay...A big thank you to Bucky Higman for not only ensuring that we were out of harm's

way, but for staying with us until we were safely back on the road again..."

Lt. Wayne Maahs, Officer Dan Stermen - "For their courageous work in arresting the perpetrators of, and then

conducting the investigation into, the massacre of 21 migratory birds on Feb. 17, 2009..."

[also]

"...We want to thank Officer Dan Stermen and Lt. Wayne Maahs for their work in conducting the investigation into

this shocking massacre of wildlife."

Officer John Mattox - "...I was stranded in Lake Harney on a boat...not only got me the help I needed, but gave

me his phone number to make sure I made it back to the launch alright. This is over and above the call of

duty..."

Officer Nick Ridgway - "A few months ago, I spotted a baby deer on the side of the interstate. He assisted me

and a few road crew members on trying to keep the baby safe...Very nice, polite and such an asset to the FWC..."

Officer Matthew Steelfox - "...gave us a verbal warning earlier in the day, and unfortunately a passenger on

my vessel did not comply...officer was very polite, and conducted himself in a professional manner...had his hands

full on opening day of scallop season...He should be commended for his patience in such chaos."

Jenny Tinnell (HSC) - "She is very helpful. No matter how many questions I have she makes time to find the

answers for me. She made the process of settling down in Florida much easier. Thank you."

Unidentified officer - "...informed me that PWCs were not allowed on the water after dark...was very nice,

professional and polite. He declined to cite me and performed a safety inspection and let us head back into shore.

I want you to know that this nice gesture was very much appreciated..."

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Shining Stars

Tom Champeau (Director, Freshwater Fisheries Mgt.) and Jessica McCawley (Marine Fisheries Mgt.)

recently graduated as Fellows of the fifth cohort of the National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI).

Each year professionals within the natural resource conservation community are nominated by their top

administrators to compete for one of 36 fellowship spaces. The goal of NCLI is to develop future leaders in the

realm of natural resource conservation.

Previous graduates from the FWC include Thomas Eason (HSC), Dianne Eggeman (Director of HGM), Elsa


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Haubold (HSC) and Nick Wiley.

Joanne Peagler , Hunter Safety Coordinator in the Northeast Region , has been named the International

Hunter Education Association's 2010 Professional of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding service to hunter

safety education and the future of hunting. Nominees are evaluated on several categories, including education of

hunters, recruitment efforts, youth hunting activities, innovation in training, community service and enforcement

efforts.

The FWC received 4 awards for excellence in communications from the Association for Conservation Information

(ACI), a nonprofit organization of information and education professionals representing state, federal and

Canadian agencies and private conservation organizations. The awards were presented at ACI's recent conference

in Cincinnati.

First Place, Photography for a close-up photo of a bay scallop by David Moynahan (Recreation Services) .

Second Place, Graphics for a logo design by Ann Marie Tavares (Community Relations) for the Coastal

Wildlife Conservation Initiative.

Second P lace, Video for a video about protecting sea turtlesfrom the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, produced by

the Media Services section ofCommunity Relations.

Third Place, News Release for Gabriella Ferraro's (OED/ CR)news release and photos about a burrowing owlthat took up temporary residence on a cruise ship miniature golf course.

David Moynahan's photo of a bay scallop won 1st

place in the Photography category.

Ann Marie Tavares designed the CWCI logo,

which won 2nd place in Graphics.

Gaby Ferraro's news release

about this burrowing owl won 3rd

place for News Releases.

Also at the conference, the members elected Scott Ball (CR) as ACI president for a second year.

While at a rest area off I-75, Lt. Tim Kiss was approached by a man asking for an aspirin. Kiss observed the

man's discomfort and disorientation, so he helped the gentleman back to his van to rest and summoned an

ambulance. Emergency medical personnel arrived and confirmed that the man was having a heart attack and

immediately transported him by helicopter to Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Kiss, based in the North Central

Region, was credited with potentially saving the man's life and the lives of others, in the event he had continued

driving.

Gov. Rick Scott took notice of Kiss' quick thinking and action, commending him in a recent weekly message to

state employees.

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Milestones

Editor's note: The FWC has a great many non-FTE employees, and they deserve recognition for reaching 5-

year milestones too. Unfortunately, the system doesn't keep track of such statistics; but we don't want that to

stop us. If you know of a non-FTE employee about to reach a 5-year milestone, please have his/her section

leader notify the Inside Job by email.
http://www.youtube.com/myfwcvideos#p/u/2/GMbdYXojteEhttp://www.youtube.com/myfwcvideos#p/u/2/GMbdYXojteEhttp://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2010/september/20/news_10_s_burrowowlcruiseship/mailto:[email protected]?subject=Non-FTE%20employee%20milestone%20for%20the%20Inside%20Jobmailto:[email protected]?subject=Non-FTE%20employee%20milestone%20for%20the%20Inside%20Jobmailto:[email protected]?subject=Non-FTE%20employee%20milestone%20for%20the%20Inside%20Jobhttp://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2010/september/20/news_10_s_burrowowlcruiseship/http://www.youtube.com/myfwcvideos#p/u/2/GMbdYXojteE


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Congratulations to the following employees, who reach 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC in August.

Numbers in parentheses indicate total state service, if different.

30 YearsToni Brannon - Executive Director's Office (32 years, 2 months )

Randall Cohron - Habitat & Species Conservation

Carla Lambert - Executive Director's Office

Jeffrey McGrady - Habitat & Species Conservation

Michael Murphy - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

25 YearsTraci Wallace - Planning & Policy Coordination

20 YearsPatricia Roberts - Community Relations

15 YearsCedric J ohnson - Finance & Budget (17 years, 1 month )

10 YearsJustin Ellenberger - Habitat & Species Conservation

Elsa Haubold - Habitat & Species Conservation

Matthew McGlothlin - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

James Mullins - Habitat & Species Conservation

Kathleen O'Keife - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Lisa Phillips - Habitat & Species Conservation (17 years, 11 months)

Nancy Sheridan - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Lavern Williams - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

5 YearsJames Douin - Law Enforcement

Patricia Duboise - Habitat & Species Conservation

Jennifer Johnson - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Norma LaMonica - Information Technology

Norma Plummer - Finance & Budget

Scott Stahl - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

And "Congratulations; we're jealous," to these retirees:

AugustElaine Richardson - 31 years (Executive Director's Office)

Randy Vaughn - 25 years (Law Enforcement)

JulyBruce Buckson - 29 years (Law Enforcement)

Deborah Stewart - 26 years, 7 months (Law Enforcement)

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the inside job - august 2011

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