Don Higgins is that one-in-a-million employee; he arrives early to work and is ready to go at 8 a.m. — no exceptions. He can loosen up the most stressful situation with his humor, and he has an, “if I can’t fix it for you, I will find someone who will,” mentality.

It is because of this that Higgins has been named Tracy’s employee of the month for May.

“Don truly is the epitome of an excellent employee,” said Linda Biscocho, an accounting officer in the finance department and Higgins’ supervisor. “Nothing is impossible when it comes to Don.”

Higgins has been an accounting assistant in the finance department with the city for two years. A Tracy resident for more than 25 years, he spent two decades as the pastor of Crossroads Christian Church, and currently coaches a Little League team, a hobby he has enjoyed for 10 years.

Ever so modestly, Higgins explained his shock when he was announced as employee of the month.

“Really, I don’t think I do anything special,” Higgins said. “I have three outstanding co-workers up here, and we all work to help each other look good. It’s definitely not a one-person job.”

In addition to his 9-to-5 job, Higgins has served as the Tracy Police Department’s chaplain, a volunteer position he has held for 15 years. Higgins also serves as the Northern California state representative for the International Conference of Police Chaplains.

This position allowed Higgins to respond to and serve in New York following the Sept. 11 attacks and in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

“Don is so well-rounded, and that is very hard to find in employees these days,” Biscocho said. “If I could, I would clone him.”