Fairfield honored its employees good works this week with a new format where the praise came not only from the department heads, but also from local residents.

The new program, called Fairfield Works, was implemented in 2012 and solicits citizen input about their experience interacting with public employees. This replaces the former Star of the Year program, which singled out a specific employee.

“This gives more credence to the award. When it’s coming from the community, I think it means that much more,” said Mayor Ron D’Epifanio, who added that the city staff is even more crucial to Fairfield’s success than elected officials.

Residents, like Michael Childs, praised the city’s finance department.

“Every time that I come into the tax office, Jewell (Urban) is right there to greet me by name. She always has a smile on her face and is always willing to help,” he wrote.

Sometimes the cards came from people outside Fairfield who were visiting, like Penny Sarley of Loveland. She was in town for her granddaughter’s cross-country meet when she noticed the fire department do something unexpected.

“I heard a noise and looked up to see a fire truck approaching. I looked around for a reason for its presence but could find not find one. Imagine my surprise as I watched the firemen attach the hose and proceed inside the park…I stood in awe as I watched those kind men “drench” those cross country runners. Later, as I was driving my wet Annie home she turned to me, smiled and said — that was the best day of her life,” she wrote.

The Fairfield Works boxes are available at various locations around the city. Comments can also be made via the city’s website.