On December 15, Wastewater Maintenance Division (WWM) Superintendent Robert Judy welcomed everyone to the 2017 Employee Christmas Lunch. He recognized sponsors and City of Columbia leadership in attendance and thanked everyone for their contributions to the Division’s success. He also expressed his gratitude for the time to acknowledge achievements and to see how far the group has come. 

Staff was commended on their improvements in safety and efficiency and, following the meal, annual awards were distributed to honorees.

2017 Foreman of the Year: Dekota Radden
“He’s a man of integrity,” Assistant Wastewater Superintendent Jody Harley said of Dekota Radden, “I’ve always looked up to him and the job that he’s done over the last couple of years has significantly decreased the number of complaints. When he’s done with the job the customer is happy. Period.”

2017 Customer Service Employee of the Year: Patricia Rogers
WWM Superintendent Robert Judy recognized Patricia Rogers as the first customer service awardee, stating that, “Pat can always be relied upon anytime WWM or Water needs anything.”

2017 Employee of the Year: Casey Ragsdale
Honored for his professionalism when serving the public, commitment to a job well done, and dedication to his team, Casey Ragsdale gained all of his required certifications in under two years. “He serves the City of Columbia with excellence. And, he’s always willing to assist in helping to train others,” said Supervisor Martin Golston.

Safety and Training Coordinator Prentiss Brooks invited Demetrius Rumph, Director of Safety and Risk Management with the City of Columbia, to address the group. Rumph congratulated the team on their day-to-day efforts to provide quality service to rate payers and improve safety. Rumph stressed that teamwork is at the core of WWM’s business, “When you look out for one another it’s about teamwork. If you see your coworkers performing something at risk, it’s your responsibility as an employee and a team to make sure they do the right thing. At the end of the day, I want each one of us to go home the same way we came.”

Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy addressed the group and expressed his appreciation for all of their hard work and management of tasks like the FEMA projects and work order procedures. Shealy remarked, “Y’all get results! I can look [at this division] and see tangible results year-over-year. Y’all are really producing and we appreciate that. And, I know our customers really appreciate that.”

ANNUAL AWARDS