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).