Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman and City Manager James Bennett presented awards to the Employee and Volunteer of the Year award recipients at the city’s Employee and Volunteer Banquet on Sept. 19.

Brian Dunphe, center, Biddeford’s recreation coordinator, has been named the city’s 2024 Employee of the Year. Pictured with him are left, Mayor Martin Grohman and City Manager James Bennett. Contributed / City of Biddeford

Brian Dunphe, recreation coordinator, has been named the 2024 Employee of the Year for the city of Biddeford.

Dunphe has worked for the city as a Recreation Program coordinator since January 2006. In his 18 years of service, he has developed, implemented and contributed to the development of many programs, facilities and events that have had an everlasting effect on the city, according to a city press release.

“Brian is the driving force behind many of the standout Outdoor Recreation programs that offer residents unique access to our natural resources, may that be guided hikes and snowshoeing on our beautiful trail systems, canoeing and kayaking lessons on the Saco River, Wood Island Lighthouse tours or surfing lessons at Fortune’s Rocks,” said Bennett. “He is also the city’s liaison for community events such as Winterfest. Brian’s work has brought joy to so many members of our community and I am thrilled to honor him with the 2024 Employee of the Year Award.”

During this past year, Dunphe took on the role of Interim Building supervisor at the J. Richard Martin Community Center and was asked to oversee the general maintenance of the Recreation Department’s outdoor facilities. He enthusiastically took on these additional responsibilities to his existing role, cultivating a motivated team culture within his new team of five employees, according to the release.

“I believe that Brian has earned this recognition because of his love and pride for working for the city of Biddeford and his passion for his work,” said Lisa Thompson, director of Biddeford Recreation. “His commitment to fine-tuning his skills to benefit the department never waivers.”

Several other awards were presented to employees at the ceremony, including the Management Team Member of the Year Award, the Technical & Service Team Member of the Year Award, and the Customer Service Team Member of the Year Award.

Deputy Chief Kenneth Thorpe of the Biddeford Fire Department was named the Management Team Member of the Year.

Thorpe has been a member of the Biddeford Fire Department for 20 years. He is known as a problem-solver with a positive attitude who takes a collaborative approach in his management style, according to he release. Thorpe is extremely passionate about professional development and mentorship of future leaders. He has also been instrumental in strengthening the department’s training program.

Brad Favreau was named the Technical & Service Team Member of the Year. Favreau serves as the City’s Economic Development coordinator and recently celebrated his 10-year service anniversary.

Jenna Charland was named the Customer Service Team Member of the Year. Charland has served the city since 2020 and currently serves as a General Assistance caseworker. She is known by coworkers for her ability to deal with emotionally heavy and complex situations with grace, according to the release. During a time of staffing transition in the past year, she managed the General Assistance office for several months alone and met the challenge with a smile.

Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman presented the 2024 Volunteer of the Year award to Florence Leighton. Contributed / City of Biddeford

Mayor Martin Grohman presented this year’s Volunteer of the Year award to Florence Leighton.

Leighton has served on the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee since its inception in 2021 and was elected as its first committee chair by her fellow committee members. She has often been willing to go above and beyond the typical service of a committee member, including participating in interviews for the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion coordinator staff position and speaking to city staff on a leadership panel. Leighton also served as the advisor for Biddeford High School’s Black Student Union for the 2023-2024 academic year.

“Flo’s dedication to Biddeford, advocacy for inclusivity, and tireless work for our community are truly remarkable,” said Grohman. “It is my great honor to present her with this year’s Volunteer of the Year award and thank her for all that she has done, and continues to do, for our great city.”