LEWISTON – Deputy Finance Director Heather Hunter was named Lewiston’s Employee of the Year on Thursday for her work setting up a paid waste collection program and for helping when the city bought the Colisee.

City Administrator Jim Bennett announced Hunter’s award at an employee recognition awards banquet at the Ramada Inn Thursday night. She is the third employee to get the award. General Assistance Director Sue Charron received the honor in 2002 and Police Officer Dan Lachance got it last year.

Hunter was instrumental in setting up the city’s fee structure for apartment trash collections, going so far as to meet with people after the city offices had closed for the day to ensure that their trash was collected.

Hunter also worked overnight before the city closed on its purchase of the Colisee, then known as Central Maine Civic Center, auditing and doing inventory.

“Heather is one of those people working in the back of the scene that you can always count on,” Bennett said.

Hunter receives an extra week of paid vacation for the Employee of the Year title.

Fire Department Secretary Joyce Ruby was given a customer service award for her service and Public Works engineer Dennis Boudreau was given the professional award.

Public Services Director Dave Jones was recognized as Manager of the Year for managing both the Public Services and the Public Works departments.

Bennett gave a special award to Safety Coordinator William Stretton for his efforts in helping to reduce on-the-job injuries in the city.

Ruby, Boudreau, Jones and Stretton all receive an extra day off as their rewards.