Lewes streets foreman Fred Slater named with Elaine Bisbee Award recipient
Few people have been dedicated to Lewes' day-to-day operations longer than Fred Slater.
The 32-year city employee was honored with the Elaine Bisbee Service Award by Lewes Mayor and City Council March 14. The award is bestowed annually to a city employee who goes above and beyond in their service to Lewes.
“We're very fortunate to have someone as dedicated as he is to be in charge of our streets department,” said Mayor Ted Becker. “The activities of our streets department are one of the first impressions people get when they come here. The efforts of those men are very important to what our residents experience and what our tourists experience as well.”
Slater started as a police officer in the Lewes Police Department in 1984. He served with the force 21 years before becoming the assistant foreman in the Streets and Maintenance Department. When his boss died in a motorcycle crash, Slater stepped up and took over the job. He's been in charge of the department ever since.
“There have been ups and downs, but that's everywhere,” he said. “For the most part, it's been a fantastic place to work.”
The award is named after long-time Lewes city manager Elaine Bisbee as a way to honor her many years of service and devotion to the city. As one of the two longest-tenured city employees, Slater worked with Bisbee for many years. He said that makes the award even more personal.
It is the first time Slater has received the award since its inception in 2006.
“It's a privilege and honor to receive this award,” he said. “I thank the mayor, city council and city manager.”
Past award winners include Rickey Melendez (2011 and 2014), Carol Richardson (2013), Alice Erickson (2012), Ellen Lorraine McCabe (2010), Lenora Dillinger (2009), Gilbert Holt Jr. (2008), James "Bear" McLean (2007) and Jennifer Murphy (2006).
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
