Field Service Specialist Honored as KUA Employee of the Year

Field service specialist Michelle Daughtrey has been named Kissimmee Utility Authority’s 2019 employee of the year.

The award recognizes and rewards exemplary performance by a KUA employee based on performance of their responsibilities as outlined in their job description and on their specific contributions to the mission and core values of the utility. With the honor comes a plaque, $200 cash, two days off with pay and a reserved parking space.

On Aug. 2, 2018 while driving in Buenaventura Lakes, Michelle noticed an elderly man lying next to the roadway. She pulled over to check on the individual, only to discover that he had suffered a fall and was bleeding profusely from the head. Michelle immediately called 911 and assisted the man until paramedics arrived.

The man later indicated he was in the process of moving a trash receptacle to the roadside, when he tripped, fell to the pavement and was unable to get up.

“Michelle could have easily gone about her normal duties that day, but went the extra mile to contact emergency responders and remain with the man to make sure he was okay,” said Daughtrey’s division manager Lowell Knollinger. “Michelle's actions meant all the difference to this man and his family, and I am proud to have her on my team.”

Hired by the utility in 2012, Daughtrey served as both a part-time and full-time meter reader before being promoted to her current position.