Southgate's Cabellos Honored by County

Richard Cabellos director of the in Reston, was awarded the Onthank Award by Fairfax County at Wednesday's Board of Supervisors meeting.

The Onthank Award is the highest honor the county bestows on employees.

Also earning the award: Judy Flaig, management analyst, Office of Elections. Flaig was recognized for her "extraordinary initiative" during the state and local election district reapportionment; and Stephen Sinclair, senior utilities analyst, Department of Cable and Consumer Services. Sinclair was recognized for his efforts to safeguard consumer interests in the areas of utilities and taxicab rates. He is chief of the Public Utilities Branch.

The Onthank Award was established by the Board of Supervisors in 1966 to honor the memory of Col. A. Heath Onthank, the first chairman of the Fairfax County Civil Service Commission (1957-1962) and guiding force of the county’s career merit system.

The award recognizes accomplishments of outstanding worth by an individual county employee, in advancing and improving public service in Fairfax County Government and the school system, Fairfax County officials said.

Eligibility for the Onthank Award is open to merit system employees of county government and contracted, unified salary scale and food service employees of Fairfax County Public Schools. School teachers and instructional assistants are not eligible for this award.

Since its inception, 317 employees have received the Onthank Award. Recipients have included managers, public safety employees, administrative assistants, human services personnel, custodians, librarians, school bus drivers, building inspectors and others from agencies throughout county government and the school system. Nominations come from residents, fellow employees, civic groups, and business and professional organizations.