Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Mayor Lisa Borowsky is congratulating Scottsdale Police Chief Joe LeDuc on being named the recipient of the 2025 Herb Drinkwater Award during the city’s annual Employee & Volunteer Awards ceremony.
The municipal honor recognizes Chief LeDuc’s decades of leadership, community service and unwavering commitment to Scottsdale.
“Chief LeDuc exemplifies the values that make Scottsdale a safe, vibrant and compassionate community,” Mayor Borowsky said.
“His dedication to public service and his ability to lead with integrity and empathy have earned him the respect of colleagues and residents alike. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
The Herb Drinkwater Award is among the city’s highest honors, presented to individuals whose contributions reflect the spirit of former Mayor Herb Drinkwater’s legacy of service and community engagement.
Chief LeDuc was selected by a committee of previous award winners after being nominated by his peers.
In addition to his leadership within the Scottsdale Police Department, Chief LeDuc serves on several regional and statewide boards supporting youth programs, crisis response initiatives and individuals with intellectual disabilities. His work continues to strengthen partnerships across the Valley and reinforced Scottsdale’s reputation for excellence in public safety.
The 2025 Scottsdale Employee & Volunteer Awards, held yesterday, celebrated individuals and teams whose dedication, innovation and compassion make a daily difference in the community.
Honorees represented every corner of the organization — from water engineering and library facilities to adaptive recreation, public safety and aquatics.
First published in a city news release, here is rundown of the winners from yesterday:
Bill Donaldson Award
Jonathan Montoya – Human Services
Jonathan Montoya guided the city’s food bank through a major transition to a new facility while ensuring uninterrupted service. Under his leadership, the food bank expanded donations, strengthened partnerships, improved volunteer coordination and enhanced delivery — reflecting the spirit of former City Manager Bill Donaldson.
William P. Schrader Volunteer Impact Award
Mich Thomas – Adaptive Recreation
Volunteer coach Mich Thomas brings unmatched enthusiasm to Scottsdale’s Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics Bobcats programs. He coaches multiple sports, mentors new volunteers and uses creative skills to celebrate athletes’ achievements.
Unsung Hero Award
Horacio Ventura – Solid Waste
Horacio Ventura was selected by the City Council for an act of quiet compassion that embodies Scottsdale’s core values. After noticing a young driver struggling with a flat tire, Mr. Ventura stopped to help, guided the repair, completed the plug and even paid for the air pump when the driver couldn’t. A resident later wrote to share how much this simple act meant to her son.
People’s Choice Award
Cactus Aquatics Team – Parks & Recreation
Employees citywide honored the Cactus Aquatics Team for their exemplary response during a life-threatening emergency. Their calm, coordinated efforts to deliver CPR and emergency care showcased exceptional training and earned praise from Scottsdale firefighters and community gratitude.
Dedicated Service
Brian DeMeo – Facilities
Brian DeMeo was recognized for outstanding work modernizing and maintaining the Civic Center Library. His craftsmanship, responsiveness and proactive approach keep one of Scottsdale’s busiest public facilities safe, functional and welcoming.
Thoughtful Innovation
SPARK Project Team – City Attorney’s Office & Information Technology
The SPARK team revolutionized case management by launching a real-time, automated platform that boosts efficiency, transparency and customer service — setting a new standard for public-sector innovation.
Collaborative Teamwork
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Project Team – Parks & Recreation and partner departments
Through collaboration, the Railroad Park team delivered two major additions — the Roundhouse indoor playground and a new splash pad — expanding year-round recreation and strengthening one of Scottsdale’s signature parks.
Value Diversity
Kelsey Lamper – Adaptive Services
Kelsey Lamper advanced accessibility and inclusion by supporting Scottsdale’s refreshed ADA program, improving public engagement and worked to ensure ASL interpretation for public meetings.
Accountable Integrity
Water Engineering Team – Scottsdale Water
The Water Engineering Team was honored for ethical decision-making, technical excellence and responsible stewardship of Scottsdale’s water infrastructure—protecting public health and ensuring reliable service.
Continuous Learning
Vista del Camino Staff – Human Services
Vista del Camino staff earned this award for embracing new responsibilities, expanding skills and strengthening support for residents facing hardship.
