Avondale honors dispatchers, military-connected children and library volunteers; recognizes long-serving assistant city manager

The Avondale City Council used its April 6 meeting to recognize staff and community programs, presenting proclamations for dispatchers, military-connected children and National Library Week and introducing new police department hires.

Police Chief Memo Espinosa introduced the department's newest employees and asked them to identify their roles and why they chose Avondale. New hires included Brandy Dasher (victim services supervisor), Juan Garcia (records clerk), Bethany Horner (dispatcher), Tawanda Ponce (communications dispatcher), Evelyn La LaCour (communications dispatcher), Kaylee Finkley (therapist, Southwest Family Advocacy Center), George Velez (forensic interviewer) and Manuel Molina (detention officer). "Thank you all for joining Avondale, being a part of the team," the mayor said after introductions.

Angela Destin, the police communications manager, accepted a proclamation marking National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18) and thanked dispatchers for the high-pressure work they perform. Human Resources Director Andy Mesquita introduced Lieutenant Colonel Maria K. Berardo of Luke Air Force Base and recognized Sergeant Cesar Othon of the Avondale Police Department as part of a Month of the Military Child proclamation.

Marissa Daley, arts, culture and libraries manager, briefed the council on library activity in 2025: combined visits of about 142,000 across branches, more than 1,000,000 circulated resources and more than 1,300 programs serving nearly 49,000 attendees. The council also announced winners of the library's bookmark contest.

Later in the meeting, council members surprised Assistant City Manager Tracy Stevens with remarks and thanks for 19 years with the city; the council invited staff and members of the public to celebrate her service at a reception next week.

The recognitions were ceremonial; no formal policy decisions resulted from these items.