Three Honored as Employees of Year

A fire captain, a police lieutenant and a construction inspector have been named the city’s employees of the year.

The honorees are: Al O’Balles, principal construction inspector for the city’s Engineering Department; Fire Capt. Steve Brouwer; and Police Lt. Geoff Spalding. They were nominated for the awards by co-workers and supervisors and their names have been added to a perpetual trophy in the lobby at City Hall.

O’Balles, 48, joined the city eight years ago. He is responsible for inspecting public construction projects. The La Mirada resident is an Army veteran and holds a staff sergeant rank in the Army Reserves.

Brouwer, 38, started working for the city’s Fire Department in 1982 and earned his first commendation as employee of the year in 1988. This time, Brouwer, of Laguna Niguel, was honored for his efforts in arranging special training and equipment to battle wildfires.

Spalding, 41, of Fullerton, has been with the Police Department for more than 21 years. He began as an officer and was promoted to sergeant in 1990 and lieutenant in 1995. He was singled out for his computer talents, and is credited for coordinating the acquisition and installation of most of the computer equipment in the department. He frequently helps fix system problems on his off-duty hours.