Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
October 16, 2019
The Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) publicly expressed the City’s gratitude to employees of the Wastewater Division of the Utilities Department via a Proclamation delivered by Mayor John Miller at the FBCC’s October 15, 2019 Regular Meeting.
Early in the morning of August 13, 2019, Wastewater Division personnel arrived at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and immediately noticed conditions in the treatment tanks were experiencing grave problems with the incoming sewer to the Plant. Thanks to swift action, decades of combined experience and command leadership, what could have quickly spiraled into a catastrophic environmental disaster, affecting area waterways, as well as every household and business in Fernandina Beach, was contained, diverted and effectively isolated before any disruption of services or effects on the environment occurred.
Thanks to the efforts of its knowledgeable and dedicated employees, who worked around the clock to restore the City’s critical ability to treat millions of gallons of wastewater through thirty-three lift stations and one central plant, the situation was effectively managed and corrected.
Those employees credited with the successful operation include:
- Chief Plant Operator Joe Cooner
- Operator Ryan Strickland
- Operator Frank Walden
- Operator Tim Brewer
- Operator Walter Gray
- Wastewater Technician II Tripp Duffy
- Wastewater Technician II Joe Evans
- Wastewater Technician II Ed Jara
- Wastewater Technician II Robin Turner
- Wastewater Electrician Terry Dodds
- Wastewater Technician I Casey Frank
- Utilities Department Superintendent Juan Brown
- Utilities Department Purchasing Agent Dale Crews; and
- Utilities Department Director John Mandrick
Eight of these individuals were present as Department Director John Mandrick formally accepted the Proclamation and the gratitude of the entire city for their outstanding dedication and exemplary work in successfully managing this domestic wastewater lift station crisis. Commissioners and audience members applauded their efforts.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.