
ARCHIVE: Alameda District Awards Petaluma Circuit Inspectors Recognition Coins
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By Suzanne Hensell, OPACE
On Feb. 10, Administrator Paul Kiecker met with inspection personnel at Est. 2882 in Petaluma, California. After Kiecker discussed some issues of interest with them, he thanked them each for their service. Next, Frontline Supervisor (FLS) Dr. Gregory Abreu issued recognition coins to inspection personnel for demonstrating FSIS Core Values Accountable, Empowered and Solutions-Oriented. Said Dr. Abreu, “With Administrator Kiecker visiting establishments in the area, I thought this would be a great opportunity to present some recognition coins to inspection personnel in the Petaluma Circuit. The employees recognized went above and beyond in fulfilling the Agency’s mission while facing hurdles like short staffing and an ongoing pandemic; the coins represented a small token of appreciation for all they do on a daily basis to protect public health.”
Team members share their thoughts about public service, working at FSIS and being recognized with a coin.
FLS Dr. Gregory Abreu, enjoyed recognizing the inspectors’ hard work. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local gatherings are exceedingly rare. The visit allowed for a short return to normalcy where in-plant personnel (IPP) could gather, albeit briefly, for the first time in two years, and boosted morale. IPP felt a sense of inclusion as members of HQ came out to a smaller facility on the West Coast, and that Administrator Kiecker truly wanted to hear their concerns and showed a very genuine interest in their well-being.”
Dr. Clara Ponce is a 25-year FSIS employee. She started out working the slaughter line, then moved to processing before becoming a Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV). “I find my work at FSIS fulfilling, knowing that we are protecting the consumer, making sure that their meat and poultry are safe to eat. It was an honor to receive the Solutions-Oriented coin, especially receiving it in front of Administrator Kiecker who took the time to thank everyone for a job well done. I’m very grateful for the team that I work with. To me, these coins signify the work of our team.”
CSI Gina Marcucci, who received the Accountable recognition coin, has been working for FSIS for six years and currently works as a patrol CSI in the Petaluma Circuit. “I chose this career path due to my background in agriculture. I take pride in ensuring that the products produced at the establishments are safe and wholesome. I take pride in holding myself accountable in fulfilling the Agency’s mission and am honored to be recognized by Dr. Abreu and the Agency with this accountability coin.”
Front row, from left:
Dr. Alanna Kirby began her FSIS career in 2014 at a small cull cow facility in central California. She now works as an SPHV in the Petaluma circuit, ensuring that animals are treated humanely during the entire slaughter process. “I really appreciated receiving the Solutions-Oriented coin, as I feel it acknowledges my problem-solving skills I utilize as an SPHV. It was good to meet Mr. Kiecker and Alameda District Manager Mr. Griffin, and to be awarded the coin in a group setting with other SPHV and CSI honorees from my circuit – it’s a great circuit to be a part of.”
CSI Delgadillo, awarded the Empowered coin, has been with the Agency since October of 2006, all of it in the Petaluma Circuit. “CSI Delgadillo consistently utilizes knowledge gained through training, skills developed during her career and tools at her disposal, to make and carry out informed decisions that protect public health and promote food safety at her establishment,” said her supervisor, FLS Dr. Abreu.
CSI Gabriella Arias received the Accountable coin. She has been with FSIS for 2.5 years and currently works as a patrol CSI in the Petaluma Circuit. “I have enjoyed learning so much working with a variety of people at different processing plants. I find it fulfilling that my job is essential to public health and the agriculture industry. Despite being one of the youngest inspectors in my circuit, I am extremely grateful to be recognized for a job well done alongside some great inspectors!”
Administrator Paul Kiecker visits Est. 2882 in Petaluma, California. Pictured, back row, from left: District Manager William Griffin and Kiecker. Middle row, from left: Dr. Gregory Abreu, Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV) Dr. Clara Ponce, and Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) Gina Marcucci. Front row, from left: SPHV Dr. Alanna Kirby, and CSIs Patricia Delgadillo, Gabriella Arias and CSI Chue Yang. Photo by Deputy Chief of Staff Robert Witte, OA.