Sierra Resort awarded three stand out employees the golden, silver and bronze Eagle awards during an annual dinner each fall.

Eagle awards are given to employees who have gone above and beyond their duty in service to other departments and the resort as a whole.

This year’s party had a “Godfather” theme — which explains the photo.

This year, three behind-the-scenes employees took home the coveted plaques. Rick Defressine (gold), security manager; Eric Rhodes (silver), business development sales manager; and Scotty Borror (bronze), vehicle maintenance supervisor.

Outstanding Sierra-at-Tahoe employees. Photo/Provided

Defressine has been at Sierra for eight seasons. He started in security during the 2002-03 season, becoming manager two years later.

“The first day I came to work at Sierra Resort, everyone was so nice and welcoming. It was actually really strange. I went home to my family and told them I thought there was something funny in the water,” Defressine said during his acceptance speech. “Now I’ve been here for a number of years and I know there is something in the water.”

Rhodes has been on the sales team for two seasons.In that short time, Eric has made huge inroads working with lodging properties and South Shore partners of Sierra. “For me, Sierra Resort offers a platform to really grow both as a person and as a professional. The level of training and support I receive being on this team is unlike anything I have experienced anywhere else. I wouldn’t be here accepting this award if it weren’t for the team around me,” he said.

Borror joined the vehicle maintenance team at Sierra

two seasons ago and has made unprecedented progress in reducing the downtime for the fleet of snowcats, snowmobiles, road vehicles.

“It’s really rewarding to be recognized by co-workers for giving everything you have at a job you enjoy. I was totally surprised and honored. I really feel I’ve found a home here at Sierra Resort,” Borror said.