Long-term City of WL employee praised

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake would like to congratulate Water and Sewer Division foreman John Halfnights on being named the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) Operator of the Year.

John, a City employee for over 40 years, was presented the award recently in Nanaimo at the Public Works Association of British Columbia Technical Conference. He was nominated by a fellow Water and Sewer Division employee Pat Mahood. Part of his submission to EOCP follows:

“John goes the extra mile to support our system, customers and crew. His experience is an invaluable asset to our department...junior operators coming into our utility and being trained by John get a leg up in the industry. Not every operator can say they have worked with such a good mentor, with experience in so many aspects of the field, and with the dedication required to provide water and sewer services for a community 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Working with John “rubs off” and creates a better operator that has seen and worked with a true and dedicated professional.”

“John is an invaluable asset to the City of Williams Lake as a Water and Sewer Operator as well as a role model for all public works employees,” says Manager of Water and Waste Joe Engelberts. “He leads by example with a very strong work ethic and dedication rarely seen in this day and age. Although he could have retired several years ago, his dedication to his profession keeps him coming to work for the citizens of Williams Lake.”

In addition to his work at the City, John is an active volunteer for a number of organizations, and has served as the president of the local Royal Canadian Legion branch.

“The City is very proud of John, who has been a dedicated employee for over 40 years,” says Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “He has an extensive knowledge of the City’s water and sewer systems, and passes this knowledge on to other operators, improving delivery of these vital services. This is a well-deserved award, and I am pleased to see his commitment and caring for his crew and community acknowledged.”

John will be recognized by Council at the October 8th Council meeting.