PD's Collins, FD's Taul Earn Top Annual Honors

Two of Novato's best public safety ambassadors deserve a salute: Mike Taul and Oliver Collins.

Taul, an engineer with the , recently was named the district's Employee of the Year for 2011. Collins, a sergeant and traffic control specialist with the , earned that unit's annual honor.

"Mike is truly one of the most humble firefighters I’ve known," said Deputy Fire Chief Eric Nickel.  "I’ll bet when you speak with Mike, he will deflect any recognition of himself and instead start taking about others and their accomplishments."

Chief of Police Joseph Kreins said Collins' dedication shines when the department is in need of extra help.

"Ollie is always there when you need him, and in times of staffing shortages, he is willing to step up and take on extra shifts and additional assignments that benefit both the department and the community," the chief said.

Taul, hired by the district as a firefighter/paramedic in 2000, was recognized by the Rescue Dog Foundation for training several search dogs, coordinating dog training sessions and serving during several major emergencies, including hurricanes and mudslides. He was a recipient of the Novato Fire Foundation “Heroes Among Us” award.

Taul, also certified as an acting captain for the district, was accepted on the Marin County Regional Task Force 1 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Team, Oakland Task Force 4. He recently procured 25 vehicles to be used in hands-on extrication training. He participates in various events such as Novato Fire Squirts, Open House and canine search team educational programs.

“Mike is a silent individual that accomplishes a great deal of work," Battalion Chief Jeff Veliquette said. "He works behind the scenes to enhance the training and safety of our members, thus improving service to the community.  He volunteers a great deal of personal hours in order to accomplish his goals.”

Nickel added, "Mike has done a tremendous amount of work for the community. He is a quiet professional who does the work of about three firefighters. The community is lucky to have Mike."

Collins, who like Taul started with his department in 2000, serves as supervisor of the traffic section and directly leads three officers and two interns. In the past year, he managed the "Avoid the Marin 13" countywide traffic enforcement operation, applied and secured several traffic safety grants worth more than $300,000 and earned second place for Novato (measured against similar agencies) in the 2010 and 2011 California Law Enforcement Challenge.

Collins continues to evaluate and upgrade technological standards used by Novato police and supervise the Saved by the Belt recognition program. He serves on the city's Street Improvement Oversight Advisory Committee, the Novato Youth Center board, and is a liaison to the Novato Chamber of Commerce. He has coordinated department efforts with countless special events such as the farmers market, Fourth of July Parade and Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music.

"Ollie is a great supervisor who has done an excellent job mentoring our young officers," Kreins added. "His work ethic is amazing and he has served as an incredible role model for our staff."