Suffolk News-Herald

Two local health professionals were recently lauded by state organizations.

The Virginia Department of Health recognized Carey Horne, of the Suffolk Health Department and Western Tidewater Health District, as the 2004 Environmental Health Supervisor of the Year.

Larry Griffin, who works out of the Isle of Wight Health Department, earned the distinction of 2004 Environmental Health Specialist of the Year by the Virginia Environmental Health Association.

When he nominated Horne for the award, environmental health manager for the Western Tidewater district Calvin W. Jones wrote, &uot;I have observed Carey’s hard work for many years. She goes beyond the call of duty in every phase of her job.

&uot;Ms. Horne will bend over backwards to assist her co-workers. When Carey performs a duty, it is always done with a thoroughness that is reflected in the final product. The public respects her many abilities and her knowledge of environmental health. This district is very fortunate to have Carey Horne as an employee.&uot;

Horne is also considered an &uot;asset and leader&uot; in the Western Tidewater Health District, Jones added. Horne serves as chairman of the Regional Onsite Taskforce Committee and is known for her considerable expertise with the onsite wastewater program. Horne also serves on the local Land Use Application Committee, offering advice on future development in Suffolk.

Mark L. Dembert, M.D., M.P.H., health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, compared Horne to a &uot;major league baseball all-star catcher when it comes to her dedication and position: she is a solid backstop of professional information.&uot;

Griffin, said Jay Duell, of the Isle of Wight Health Department, &uot;motivates by example.&uot; Considered an innovator by his colleagues, Griffin has been a key player in the implementation the onsite sewage and water program.

&uot;Not only has he (Griffin) spent countless mind-boggling hours learning and helping to fine-tune the system, he has been an instructor on the team that has taught other health districts in the state how to use it,&uot; wrote Duell in nominating Griffin as Health Specialist of the Year.

Griffin has made numerous contributions to area environmental health committees including the Onsite Sewage and Water Committee and the Onsite Training Task Team.

By no means a pencil pusher, said Duell, Griffin &uot;has spent much of his supervising tenure digging holes, swatting bugs and battling briars just like the field staff….

&uot;Larry is a rock solid professional. His no-nonsense character toward sensitive issues and fair-play attitude has built his reputation as a man of integrity.&uot;