A mechanic who keeps Denver police vehicles rolling with “care and devotion” has been chosen by co-workers as the department’s civilian employee of the year.
Police Chief Gerald Whitman presented the award to Jeffrey A. Navarro today. Besides gifts, Navarro will be honored on a plaque in the lobby of the Police Administration Building.
A line mechanic supervisor, Navarro has worked for the City and County of Denver since Aug. 3, 1998. In announcing the award, the city gave several examples of occasions where he has gone beyond his job description to help other employees, the Police Department and the residents of Denver.
He once insisted on driving an ill, uncooperative co-worker to the hospital. Within five minutes of arriving at the hospital the man suffered a heart attack. He has since recovered and returned to work.
Navarro also allowed the city to recoup almost $375,000 because of defective paint on 43 police vehicles, because of his initiative, research and documentation.
“In this day and age of shrinking budgets, that is a major accomplishment,” the city said in a statement.
