Four Dorchester residents were honored for their public service at the 31st Annual Henry L. Shattuck Awards on Tues., Sept. 27. The awards are administered by the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, are given out annually to exemplary city employees.

This year’s recipients included John Meaney, assistant commissioner for the Inspectional Services Department; Ramdassie Bheecham, office manager of the City Clerk’s Office; Theodore Loska, teacher and swim instructor at the Hennigan Elementary School; and Lt. Donna Gavin, who works in the Human Trafficking Unit for the Boston Police Department.

The reaction from each recipient when asked how they felt about being awarded was largely the same—each said they were honored, humbled and surprised.

“I’m blessed and it’s not really about me, it’s really about the people I work with. It’s a team effort,” said Meaney, who has worked at ISD for 29 years. “To make an impact and create a better quality of life, there’s no better feeling. We’re blessed to have the power and authority to improve living conditions and provide services and facilities for the people who need them.”

“It feels good. I don’t like all the attention, but it’s good and it’s very nice,” said Bheecham— who is known in City Hall as “Dassie.” “My department tries to make things easier by building technology and staff. When people come looking for information, I feel very helpful. I do go an extra mile to help and make sure they leave with the information they want, either from my department or another.”

“I was kind of surprised,” said Loska. “I’m playing with kids and I try to do the stuff that nobody else is doing, but most of the stuff they’re telling me I’m getting this for is just fun to do and what I want to do. I love being called coach. I’ve taught probably thousands of kids how to swim and that’s really kind of cool.”

Another Dorchester resident was also honored at the Sept. 27 event: James W. Hunt Jr., who leads the Mass League of Community Health Centers was recognized as a “City Champion” by the Research Bureau. Hunt, who lives in Pope’s Hill and is the father of State Rep. Dan Hunt, is a pioneer in the field of community health centers.

A total of nine city employees were recognized at the event. To learn more about them visit bmrb.org.