Feb 28, 2006
(Attached photo, left to right: Paul Arthur, Cindy McBride, Amy Wahlig, Silvia Rodriguez, Doraine Wetzel; back row: Board of Lee County Commissioners)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Pete Winton, Lee County Administration
(239) 335-2777
PARAMEDIC WAHLIG RECEIVES TOP COUNTY EMPLOYEE AWARD
FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 28, 2006) – Amy Wahlig – a paramedic with Lee County Emergency Medical Services who continued her professional development and maintained her positive attitude during serious illness – is the annual recipient of Lee County Government's top employee award.
At its regular meeting today, the Board of Lee County Commissioners announced the selection of Wahlig – who has been with the county for more than 5 years – as the recipient of the "Candy Pittro Memorial" Award for 2005.
The award was established as a tribute to Pittro, who passed away in 1987 after a long struggle with leukemia. Her positive outlook on life was an inspiration to others and the award honors those who display the same qualities. The award is given annually for "inspiration and positive attitude in the face of adversity."
One of Wahlig's nominations, from Eileen Briscoe, describes her as follows:
"Amy Wahlig always has a smile and a kind word for the people she comes in contact with. … Amy recently was promoted from an EMT to a paramedic position at EMS. She was in an intensive training program for several months prior to the promotion to enable her to practice the skills needed to provide excellent ALS care for the citizens and visitors of Lee County. During this time she was diagnosed with a serious medical illness that required hospitalization. She was nearing the end of her training period and getting ready to test for promotion when she received the news. Amy was given the option to wait and test after her treatment was complete, however she chose to test as scheduled. She passed the test and received her promotion.
"I remember her being disappointed that she was going to have to delay working in her new position to receive the treatment she needed. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her treatment even though it was obvious that she did not feel well. … She continues to have a positive attitude at work and has a smile for everyone."
Said colleague Chris Wicburg: "I knew of her dealing with an illness that does not discriminate and has taken many. Amy continued to hold her head up high! … During this time she has shown compassion and concern for those who have called upon her in their times of need, both the general public that dials 911 and her peers here at work."
Candy Pittro's son James Pittro, who now works for Lee County Parks & Recreation, was on hand to present the award.
Other nominees this year were: Paul Arthur (Public Resources), Cindy McBride (EMS/Public Safety), Silvia Rodriguez (Internal Services/Public Works), and Doraine Wetzel (DOT).