AUGUSTA – Five state employees from central and western Maine were among the 26 honored recently at the Blaine House for their dedication to public service. The event was part of the annual William Twarog Employee Recognition Ceremony. Gov. Paul LePage presented the awards.

Managers of the year were:

* Andrew Johnson, Department of Environmental Protection

* Paul Courtemanche, Department of Health & Human Services

* Curt Johnson, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

* Eric Bellavance, Department of the Secretary of State

Employee of the year was:

* Robert Cordes, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

The William Twarog Award was created to honor and remember Lewiston’s William “Bill” Twarog and his work by annually honoring state employees who promote quality services, listen to consumer voices and provide a role model for excellence in management. Twarog worked for nearly 10 years as a regional administrator in Lewiston for what was, at the time, the Bureau of Mental Retardation. His tenure with the BMR was the continuation of a lifelong commitment to people with disabilities.