Thomas Shipman and Stephen Schluer have been recognized as exemplary examples of the best that Manteca municipal employees have to offer the community.
Shipman was selected as Employee of the Year while Schluer received Humanitarian of the Year Award during Saturday’s 2016 City of Manteca Employee Recognition and Awards Banquet conducted at the Manteca Senior Center.
Shipman works in the Public Works Department handling building maintenance.
In nominating Shipman, supervisors noted Shipman “is one of the many unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and many times after hours, to ensure that all city employees are comfortable, safe and have all the amenities needed to effectively do their jobs. . . .”
“We all know who he is because, at one time or another, each department has experienced issues that create havoc, inconveniences and delays in our daily work lives.  Whether it’s a broken faucet, a faulty light bulb, air conditioning that isn’t working, or worse, rats in the roof (this actually happened and Thomas has the photos to prove it), Thomas is quick on the scene to respond and remedy the situation so that we can all continue doing our jobs efficiently and effectively.”
Supervisors noted Thomas routinely solves unique maintenance issues that typically would require a costly call to service technician. Not only does he save taxpayers money but he makes it possible for other city employees to do their jobs.
“A classic example (Shipman going above and beyond expectations) occurred the day before the first State of the City event. Thomas spent most of his day at the Transit Center to ensure everything was working flawlessly and looked pristine and presentable.  This extra effort was demonstrated when, recognizing the significance of this event, he took it upon himself to inspect the facility and take care of anything he came across that needed to be repaired or cleaned, such as applying touch-up paint to areas of the building, removing graffiti, sweeping the parking lot and a variety of other tasks.  He did this not just because it was his job, but because he takes pride in what he does and is very humble about his quality workmanship and attention to detail. He thinks outside of the box and develops new methods for addressing issues at the Transit Center.”
Schuler — along with his wife Thaera and children Lela and Collins — were lauded for always volunteering and donating “to help out the Manteca Community and for wanting to make a difference and make Manteca the best place” possible.
Schuler is a sergeant in the Manteca Police Department.
His community endeavors include Boys and Girls Club board member for over 10 years (he is currently the board vice president), chairs the Every 15 Minutes Crab Feed Dinner to help support the Every 15 Minutes program in local high schools, Manteca Parks and Recreation Foundation member, Sunrise Kiwanis member, Police Chief Foundation member, serves on the Doctors Hospital Board of Directors, Manteca Police Officers Association president, Manteca Unified School District Board of Trustees President, contributes and supports the for Kid’s Sake Project and the Angel Tree Project to help youth, families and seniors in the Manteca Community during the holidays, umpire chief for the Northgate Little League, increased participation with the Manteca Youth Softball Organization and chaired the Board for several years, volunteers to help feed the homeless and families in need during Thanksgiving in the Manteca community, helps run the Manteca Police Officers Association fireworks booth, and has volunteered coaching Manteca softball and Northgate Little League baseball
City employees receiving acknowledge for years of service were:
ADMINISTRATION/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — 5 years:  Will Webb; 25 years :Tim Dyke
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — 10 years: Mark Meissner; 25 years Glen Emerick, Dave Livingston
FINANCE — 10 years: Tracie Madison; 15 years: Suzanne Mallory; 35 years: Melody Wilson
FIRE — 5 years: Aimee Rubio; 10 years: Armando Blanco, Wesley Chamberlain, Travis Gooch, Brian Swift, Robert White; 15 years: Traig Smith, Anthony Taberna; 20 years: David Marques, Franco Torrice
HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANAGEMENT — 20 Years: Jeannine Dae
PARKS & RECREATION — 10 years: Carl Campo, Lana McBroom; 15 years, Kathryn Reed; 25 years, Ron DeCosta
POLICE — 5 years:  Lance Casqueiro,  Byron Elness; 10 years: Mike Kelly10 Years Jason May, Ian Osborn;  15 years Jason Bonetti, Jason Massey, Wayne Miller, Aaron Montoya, John Moody, Barbara Morgan,  Richard Smigelski, April Smith; 20 years Steven Beermann,  Shawn Cavin,  Jodie Estarziau, Stephen Schluer, Michael Sexson; 25 years Armen Avakian, Nicolas Obligacion, Nina O’Brien,  Anthony Souza
PUBLIC WORKS — 10 years Andrew Barrious,  Tim Carroll, Darold Gainous, Derek LaMont, Jacelyn Renwick, Steven Schickert, Glenn Vandewater; 15 years: Derek Case, Rexie LeStrange, Amber Norby; 20 years Kevin Austin, Thomas Galloway, Paul Hafer, William Jenkins; 25 years: Todd Compton, Steven McClary; 30 years: William Kuhlenz, Jeff Santos
Retires in 2016 were Jeffery Barr, Fire; David Breitenbucher, Fire; Stephen Burrows, Fire; Frederic Clark, Community Development; Robert Davis, Fire; Richard Engle, Water; Karen McLaughlin, Administration; Eric Medeiros, Water; Chris Mraz, Police; John Orcutt, Police; Kelly Orlandi, Police; Sue Ornelas, Administration; Joann Tilton, Administration; Kirk Waters, Fire, and Deborah Williams, Fire.