DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM The city honored paramedic Ian Santee yesterday as its Employee of the Year. Flanking him were, at left, EMS Assistant Chief Donnie Gates and, right, EMS District Chief Chris Ano.

Paramedic is city’s
top employee

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Star-Bulletin staff

The city honored paramedic Ian T.T. Santee as 2002 City Employee of the Year and Gary B. Cabato, Parks Department personnel and management chief, as Manager of the Year.

"These two outstanding individuals represent the best of the best in our city work force," said Mayor Jeremy Harris yesterday at a ceremony at Honolulu Hale.

The state Department of Health, which regulates all counties' emergency medical services, has also selected Santee as the state's Outstanding Mobile Intensive Care Technician for 2002. Santee is a mobile emergency care specialist for the city Department of Emergency Services.

Santee was described as an exceptional employee who volunteers his time and devotes many hours as the city Emergency Medical Services Division's Web master and trains other paramedics and prospective paramedics at Kapiolani Community College.

Santee also volunteers as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator instructor with the American Heart Association and as a first aid and safety instructor with the National Safety Council.

Cabato was assigned to lead both the Personnel Services and Management Services divisions upon the retirement of both chiefs within the past six months. Additionally, he also serves as assistant park maintenance and recreation services administrator, which requires him to inspect city park facilities weekly.

Cabato works 16-hour days and weekends, and was recognized for his dedication, ability to work with people and time-management skills.

The city also honored 21 other Employees of the Year and three finalists for Manager of the Year, and handed out 18 Sustained Superior Performance awards.