Mayor Haslam announced at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 5 that the Outstanding City Employee 2006 Overall Winner was Michael "Jason" Booker - Police Officer II.

Office Booker is a valued member of the Knoxville Police Department's Patrol Division. He has provided leadership in this department that is usually only seen in officers with many more years of experience. Officer Booker, as a leader of the Inspections Unit has worked diligently on holding establishments that serve alcohol to the standard of not selling alcohol to underage patrons as well as not over-serving patrons.

He is not only knowledgeable regarding the ordinances pertaining to alcohol, wreckers, and taxis, but he is able to explain and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner throughout the City. Officer Booker is always willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done correctly and efficiently. He expects a lot of himself and provides leadership that causes those who are around him to emulate his sense of duty and responsibility.

Officer Booker has a very difficult assignment that can be high profile, but he has handled it in a truly professional manner. He truly embodies the Knoxville Police Departments Operational Philosophy: Do the right thing, Do your very best every day, and treat others the way you want to be treated.

Other honorable nominess included the following:

Rose Manley - Office Assistant II - Rose Manley is an office assistant for the Knoxville Police Department in the Organized Crime Unit. Rose has been a dedicated city employee for over 33 years and is responsible for maintaining all financial and statistical records for this division. Along with her normal daily duties, Rose is an active volunteer in numerous departmental and city sponsored events such as the health benefits fair, commemorative walks and runs, holiday luncheons, and employee picnics. Rose Manley's dedication to her department shows in her tireless efforts to ensure courteous service to the public as well as members of her own department. With her seniority in the Organized Crime Unit, she provides the experience needed when other employees are transferred into the department and helps them to adjust to working in the department. Rose's position in the Organized Crime Unit is one of the most sensitive office positions in the City and requires a great amount of trust and responsibility to be placed in her. She is a shining example of the best that the City of Knoxville has to offer.

John Huff - Project Specialist - The Community Development Division works with many communities throughout the City of Knoxville and requires employees in that department to constantly seek new and better ways of utilizing limited resources. John Huff understands this goal and works tirelessly to contribute to team success. He is currently the lead on the Commercial Facade Program and has done a stellar job. John has not only acquired the knowledge of the rules and regulations of the program, but has been able to complete the first three pilot projects, which helped to revitalize a city neighborhood. John Huff's work is a great example of an employee contributing to the goal of making Knoxville the premier city in which to live, work, and raise a family.