For some people getting up at 6 a.m. to get to work by 8 a.m. is pretty tough. For Oxford Transportation employees Bill Broecker and Ann Weeden, it’s sleeping in.
The Oxford bus garage early birds arrive to work every school day before the sun even begins peeking over the horizon at 5 a.m. Both Broecker, who is head mechanic, and Weeden, who is a dispatcher and substitute driver, said they wake up around 3:30 a.m. everyday.
‘They are here every single day,? said supervisor Char Podzikowski. ‘They never miss work.?
In honor of their endless dedication, Broecker and Weeden were chosen by their peers to receive the second annual ‘Oakland County Excellence in Transportation? award.
The award honors bus drivers for loyalty, dedication, community service and positive interaction with students. Nominations are made by the recipients? co-workers.
‘They were both nominated because of the services they personally provide day in and day out,? said Podzikowski. ‘They’re here everyday on time and they help keep everything running. These two just stuck right out there this year.?
Broecker has worked for Oxford Schools for the past 22 years. He was nominated because of his commitment to keeping the buses running in tip-top shape.
‘I like the people I work with,? said Broecker. ‘The girls are just wonderful. I didn’t expect to be chosen.?
Weeden has been working in the transportation department for eight years. She was a driver for six, and has been a dispatcher and substitute driver for the past two. Her sister-in-law got her into driving buses.
‘This is just a great job,? she stated. ‘It really is just a very good job. I thought it was very nice to be nominated by my co-workers.?
‘Ann just stuck out as far as dispatching and her job – she is a very professional person,? said Podzikowski. ‘She takes care of a lot of her coworkers problems and needs.?
‘And Bill, he just keeps the fleet right on running.?
The two Oxford employees were honored along with award winners from 13 other school districts during a banquet on April 9 at West Bloomfield High School.