WVC City Spotlight Employee Newsletter
March 2026
A New City Initiative: WVC IS ME
West Valley City has launched a new theme for this year: WVC IS ME. It’s a city-wide declaration that West Valley City is defined by the people who live, work, and serve in the city. It’s more than a location!
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As an employee of West Valley City, you are an integral part of this declaration, whether or not you live in the city boundaries. Thank you for all your contributions to make WVC the best place to be!
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The city will be hosting WVC IS ME events throughout this initiative. The first event is on March 14th and will be a city-wide scavenger hunt. Stay tuned for more details!
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You can learn more about WVC IS ME with this introduction video.
Donate Life, Give Life: Help WVCFD Save Lives!
There’s still time to sign up for the West Valley City Fire Department’s blood drive on Monday, March 9th! The fire department is starting an ongoing initiative called “Arms Out” to encourage blood donation in the community. The hope is continuous blood donation will help support the fire department’s Whole Blood Transfusion program.
The blood drive will be help on March 9th from 12pm-6pm at Fire Station 74. The American Red Cross is offering a few perks for your donation in March, including a $15 Amazon gift card and free A1C testing. You can also download its Blood Donor App to learn your blood type and see where your donation goes!
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Sign up for the blood drive here!
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And watch the video to learn more about the WVCFD Whole Blood Program.
In Memoriam: Randy Petersen
West Valley City unfortunately lost an incredible employee, person, and friend in February. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, while at a stoplight in his West Valley City work truck, Randy Petersen experienced an arrhythmic heart episode that caused his heart to go into V-Fib. His pulse eventually returned after approximately 45 minutes of CPR. His brain, however, did not survive the lack of oxygen during CPR. Randy passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Randy worked for West Valley City for nearly 19 years. Here are some words from his colleagues about his life:
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​Randy was a friend to everyone in the City. Anyone who ever used the exercise room at City Hall knew and liked Randy. He rarely missed a day on the treadmill or exercise bike. As our Storm Water Inspection Manager his job duties allowed him to work with many WVC employees. In addition to Public Works, he worked
closely with Facilities, Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation, and other departments. He liked to joke and could frequently be heard laughing with others around City Hall. He loved his family and their successes were his favorite thing to talk about.
Randy was very close with all of us in the Engineering Division. He was always available to provide support in whatever was needed. He was an expert in his field of Storm Water Quality and Regulations. He trained many throughout the City and frequently helped provide assistance with inspections and assuring the various departments were in compliance with environmental regulations. Randy could often be found throughout the city going above and beyond his regular responsibilities, whether that was by sweeping up spills or dirt in the roadway or updating us on the status of construction projects.
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His passing has left a hole in the Engineering Division that we will never be able to fill. He was always encouraging to all of us and would always say that it was "Another Great Day in Paradise".
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WVC Step Challenge
Time to get out your sneakers, put a spring in your step, and participate in the City’s next walking challenge! The Wellness Committee is launching the 2026 WVC Step Challenge on March 16th and will go until March 27th.
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Prizes will be awarded to the top three “steppers,” the division with the most steps per person, and participants with 56,000+ steps over the challenge will be put in a drawing!​
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Join the WVC Walking Club on the Pacer app with the QR code now before the challenge launches on the 16th!
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Blomquist Training: Power of a Positive Attitude
How much easier life would be if we were always happy? If you want to achieve happiness, better health, stronger relationships and continued success, you may not have to look any further than the mirror. YOU are in control of your life. This fun presentation teaches how to be positive, recognize simple pleasures, and find joy in life. All are welcome to attend.
Where: Family Fitness Center
When: March 26, 10 AM
Has Your Address Changed?
Fun Fact! If you have an address change you will need to make update to the following:
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Paylocity – This sends your new address to Select Health, EMI Dental, CHUBB, Health Equity, Rocky Mountain Reserve, Samera Vision (if you have account with them)
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URS (Utah Retirement Systems) at urs.org
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Mission Square (if you have an account with them)
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Nationwide Pet (if you have an account with them)
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Commute Authorization Form (if you take home a city vehicle)
Employee Spotlight: Shining a Light On Employees Who Go Above and Beyond
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Tess Hartwell, Animal Care and Enrichment Manager, is the longest-standing employee for West Valley Animal Services. She has been with Animal Services for 21 years—20 of them full time.
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“She has extensive knowledge with medical needs, enrichment, and behavior,” said Melanie Bennett, Director of Animal Services. “She is an example of dedication to the work of the City and the animals.” Her dedication is evident in the valuable programs she has helped create at Animal Services, like the Doggy Daycation Program and Foster Program.
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Tess truly does her best to make things better for the animals and the staff that care for them. “Seeing animals come in scared, shut down, or not doing well medically—and then watching them get the help we can give them—that's what makes this work worth it,” said Tess. She also really cares about helping the public understand animal welfare and why adopting matters.
Clearly, Tess has a great love for animals. She also loves crafting, Halloween, and going to concerts.
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Thank you for your many years of dedication to animals in need, Tess!
W-2s Are Now Available!
You can access your electronic W-2 Forms through Paylocity if you opted into paperless.
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Follow these instructions to access it!
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If you have not elected paperless, keep an eye on your mailbox! W-2s were mailed out starting January 20th and won’t be mailed out later than January 31st.
Detective Bryant LoRe and Sergeant Jeremy Weirick
Two members of the West Valley City Police Department were honored at the NAACP Salt Lake Branch’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon in January.
Detective Bryant LoRe and Sergeant Jeremy Weirick received the NAACP First Responder Award. Sgt. Weirick was recognized for his work in human trafficking prevention and Det. LoRe for his work in child exploitation prevention.
Congrats to them both!
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Battalion Chief Nick Dodge
West Valley City Fire Battalion Chief Nick Dodge has been selected for a prestigious fire officer program.
Dodge was accepted into the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Members of the program receive advanced leadership education, research opportunities, and training focused on community safety and national preparedness.
Way to represent West Valley City!
Childcare Discount for City Employees
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We’re excited to share a new childcare discount option for all city employees! ABC Great Beginnings is offering a 50% discount on new registrations. ABC Great Beginnings offers Day Camps, Night/Weekend Childcare, Before and After School Programs, Infant and Toddler Care, and more! This offer is valid at any of their 10+ locations!
Sunshine Academy Preschool and Daycare is also offering a 20% discount to city employees. In addition, first responders can access discounted hourly rates, subject to availability.
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Click the links to learn more about either of these opportunities!
Payer Matrix: Specialty Medication Benefit
Beginning January 1, 2026, West Valley City is enhancing its specialty drug program to better support employees who use high-cost specialty medications. These specialty medications will now be managed through Payer Matrix, and coverage for those medications will no longer be provided directly through Select Health. If you currently use a specialty medication, a Payer Matrix Care Coordinator may contact you to guide you through available assistance programs and work directly with you and your healthcare provider to ensure timely access to your medication. This advocacy service helps ensure continued access to medications with little to no out-of-pocket cost to eligible employees.
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For more information about Payer Matrix, call 877-305-6202 or email customerservice@payermatrix.com.
Welcome New Employees!
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Noe Ramos – Police Officer
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Diogo DaSilva – Police Officer
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Zander Roseborough – Police Officer
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Jose Martinez – Animal Control Officer
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Enrique Garcia – Firefighter
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Keanu Serna – Firefighter
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Caleb Hodges – Firefighter Paramedic
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Dean Noble – Firefighter
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Lia Cline – Human Resources Analyst
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Sydney White – Records Specialist
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Hunter Jessee – Police Officer
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Tiffany Kalinowski – Administrative Assistant
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Community First Friday: Los Hermanos de los Andes with Latin Dance Heritage
Experience the vibrant sounds of the Andes at Community First Friday. Los Hermanos de los Andes bring traditional Andean instruments and rich musical heritage to the stage, joined by special guest Latin Dance Heritage. This free evening celebrates culture, rhythm and community.
Where: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
When: Friday, March 6, 6 - 8 PM
Cost: Free!
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PBS Utah: Utah in the 70s
Join us for a special screening and community conversation featuring PBS Utah’s Utah in the 70s. This program explores the people, movements and defining moments that shaped Utah during a transformative decade. Connect with neighbors, reflect on our shared history and engage in thoughtful dialogue.
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Where: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
When: Wednesday, March 11, 6 - 8 PM
Cost: Free
Shakespeare in the Schools - Public Performance
The Utah Cultural Celebration Center welcomes the public to a free performance through the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespeare in the Schools tour. This professional production brings Shakespeare’s work to life for students and community members alike, creating an accessible and engaging theatre experience. Join us for an evening of live performance, storytelling and shared community connection as part of this statewide educational tour.
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Where: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
When: Friday, March 20, 7 PM
Cost: Free
Voices and Votes Gallery Reception
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Join us for the gallery reception of Voices and Votes, part of the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street tour. This special gathering invites community members, leaders and partners to explore the evolving story of American democracy through local and national perspectives. Light refreshments will be served.
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Where: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
When: Saturday, March 28
Cost: Free
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